JP5501286B2 - Power storage device - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a power storage device.

  As a background art regarding the technical field, for example, there is a technique disclosed in Patent Document 1.

  Patent Document 1 discloses a battery case in which a strain gauge is attached to one surface of a module formed by stacking secondary cells, and the strain gauge is used to increase the internal pressure of the secondary cells that accompanies charging of the secondary cells. A technology related to charging control of a secondary battery is disclosed, in which a change in stress of the battery is detected, it is determined that charging of the battery is completed when the stress reaches a predetermined value, and charging is terminated by the control unit. .

JP-A-5-326027

  In recent years, high safety has been demanded for a battery constituting a power storage device. In order to ensure high safety of the storage battery in the power storage device, it is important to detect abnormality of the storage battery. There are various methods for detecting the abnormality of the battery, and one of them is to detect a bulge that is a change in the shape of the battery. In the technique disclosed in Patent Document 1, a bulge that is a change in shape of a capacitor is detected, and the detection result is used for charge control.

  The present application lists a plurality of problems including the above problems. Here, one of them is listed as a representative problem to be solved by the invention.

  Here, a representative problem to be solved by the present application is to provide a highly reliable power storage device.

  In addition, this other subject is replaced with the effect which reverses a subject in embodiment described below, and is demonstrated with the solution means.

  The present application has a plurality of solving means for solving the above representative problem. Here, one of them is listed as a typical solution.

Here, the present application describes an element that can measure strain (deformation) caused by a bulge (stress as an expansion force) that is a change in shape of a capacitor, such as a strain gauge (sensor), by a bulge that is a change in shape of the capacitor. It is attached to the surface of the part where the generated strain can be captured, and the strain generated by the bulge that is the shape change of the battery is measured. From this measurement result, the internal pressure (pressure inside the battery case) that is the cause of the bulge that is the shape change of the battery ) And detecting an abnormality of the capacitor based on the detection result is a typical solution means for solving the above representative problem. When attaching strain gauges (sensors), a plurality of capacitors arranged in one direction, a holding member arranged between each capacitor adjacent in the arrangement direction of the plurality of capacitors, and arranged at both ends in the arrangement direction of the plurality of capacitors A pair of end plates disposed on the side opposite to the holding member side of the capacitor and a connection plate connected to the pair of end plates, and a securing member that secures the plurality of capacitors. A module configured by connecting a pair of end plates with a connection plate in a state where the array of the storage battery, the plurality of holding members, and the pair of end plates are pressed by the pair of end plates from both sides in the arrangement direction, Alternatively, a plurality of capacitors arranged in one direction, a first holding member arranged between each of the capacitors adjacent in the arrangement direction of the plurality of capacitors, and a first of the capacitors arranged at both ends in the arrangement direction of the plurality of capacitors. 1 protection A pair of second holding members disposed on the side opposite to the member side, a pair of end plates disposed on the side opposite to the capacitor side of the second holding member, and a connection plate connected to the pair of end plates A plurality of capacitors, a plurality of first holding members, a pair of second holding members, and a pair of end plates are arranged on both sides in the arrangement direction. In an embodiment of a module configured by connecting a pair of end plates by the connection plate in a state where the connection plate is pressed by a pair of end plates, for example, a through hole is formed in the connection plate, It is preferable to form a narrow portion having the shortest distance from the edge to the through hole, and attach a strain gauge (sensor) to the surface of the formed narrow portion.

The distortion caused by the bulge that is the shape change of the capacitor is proportional to the internal pressure of the capacitor that is the cause of the bulge that is the shape change of the capacitor. Therefore, by measuring the distortion caused by the bulge that is the shape change of the capacitor, and detecting the internal pressure that is the cause of the bulge that is the shape change of the capacitor, the abnormality of the capacitor can be detected. At this time, as in the above-described embodiment, a through hole is formed in the connection plate, a narrow portion having the smallest distance from the edge of the connection plate to the through hole is formed, and the surface of the formed narrow portion is formed. If a strain gauge (sensor) is attached, the strain can be measured with high sensitivity. This is because the distortion is most concentrated in the narrow portion formed in the connection plate, and the distortion is amplified more than other parts.

  According to the typical solution of the present application, the safety of the battery can be improved, and a highly reliable power storage device can be provided.

(Embodiment 1) The block diagram which shows the structure of the drive system of a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle. (Embodiment 1) The perspective view which shows the structure of the sub-square battery module of the square battery module which comprises the battery apparatus mounted in the drive system of FIG. (Embodiment 1) III-III arrow sectional drawing of the sub-square battery module of FIG. (Embodiment 1) The perspective view which shows the structure of the end plate which is a component of the sub-square battery module of FIG. (Embodiment 1) FIG. 3 is a partially cutaway perspective view showing the configuration of a prismatic lithium ion secondary battery used in the sub-square battery module of FIG. (Embodiment 1) The perspective view which shows the structure of the electrode winding body of FIG. (Embodiment 2) The perspective view which shows the structure of the end plate which is a component of the sub-square battery module of the square battery module which comprises the battery device mounted in the drive system of a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle. (Embodiment 3) Top view sectional drawing which shows the structure of the end plate which is a component of the sub-square battery module of the square battery module which comprises the battery device mounted in the drive system of a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle. (Embodiment 4) Top view sectional drawing which shows the structure of the sub-square battery module of the square battery module which comprises the battery apparatus mounted in the drive system of a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle. (Embodiment 4) An exploded perspective view showing a configuration around an end plate which is a component of the sub-square battery module of FIG. (Embodiment 5) The perspective view which shows the structure of the sub-square battery module of the square battery module which comprises the battery apparatus mounted in the drive system of a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle. (Embodiment 6) The perspective view which shows the structure of the sub-square battery module of the square battery module which comprises the battery apparatus mounted in the drive system of a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described.

<< Application of Invention >>
In the embodiments described below, the invention of the present application will be described by taking as an example a case where the invention is applied to a battery, which is a power source of a mobile body, for example, a plug-in hybrid vehicle.

<< Schematic configuration of battery device >>
The battery device is a power storage device that includes a plurality of capacitors (storage battery or secondary battery) and stores (charges) and discharges (discharges) electric energy by an electrochemical action of the plurality of capacitors. The plurality of capacitors are electrically connected in series, in parallel, or in series-parallel according to specifications such as output voltage and storage capacity required for the battery device.

《Battery electrical energy flow in application》
The electric energy charged in the battery device is discharged as DC power when the plug-in hybrid vehicle is driven by electric power (rotational power) (during power running). The DC power discharged from the battery device is converted into AC power by an inverter device (power converter), and then functions as a motor to generate an electric power for driving a plug-in hybrid vehicle (rotary electric machine). ). In addition, the electric energy charged in the battery device may be discharged as direct current power when starting an engine that is an internal combustion engine, or when driving an electrical component such as a car audio device such as a radio, a car navigation device, or a light. is there. In this case, the DC power discharged from the battery device is converted into AC power or a predetermined DC power whose voltage is controlled (step-up / step-down) by the power converter, and then supplied to each electric load and other power storage devices. Is done.

  The electric energy charged in the battery device is the AC power obtained from the regenerative energy during deceleration or braking of the plug-in hybrid vehicle and / or the AC power output from the generator driven by the prime mover. It is obtained by converting into electric power and supplying the DC power to the battery device. AC power obtained from regenerative energy is output from the generator when the motor generator is driven as a generator by the rotational power supplied from the vehicle side. In addition, the electric energy charged in the battery device is a single-phase AC power taken from a commercial power source, which is a household power source, or a single-phase or three-phase AC power purchased through a desk lamp provided in an electric station or commercial facility. It is obtained by converting the voltage into a predetermined DC power whose voltage is controlled by a charger mounted on the plug-in hybrid vehicle and supplying the DC power to the battery device.

<< Other application applications of the invention >>
The configuration of the embodiment described below does not have a charger for charging the battery device with AC power supplied from an external power source such as a commercial power source or a desk lamp (power obtained by regeneration during deceleration of the vehicle) And / or a hybrid vehicle that is charged with electric power obtained from a generator driven by a prime mover, and does not have an internal combustion engine as a drive source of the vehicle (a motor that generates electric power is the only drive source of the vehicle) Passenger cars such as electric cars, motorcycles such as electric bikes and electric bicycles, railway vehicles such as hybrid trains, freight cars such as hybrid trucks, passenger cars such as hybrid buses, industrial vehicles such as construction machinery and forklift trucks, electric welfare The present invention can also be applied to a battery device that constitutes the power source of another mobile object such as a device.

  These mobile units include a motor that generates electric power using the battery device as a power source (also serves as a generator when power is supplied from the mobile unit side) and power between the battery device and the motor. And an inverter device for controlling the motor. In some cases, the battery device is charged by a generator that is driven by a prime mover to generate electric power.

  The configuration of the embodiment described below can also be applied to a stationary battery device installed as an uninterruptible power supply (backup power supply) such as communication equipment.

  Furthermore, the configuration of the embodiment described below includes a power storage system and a wind power generation system that are arranged in a consumer, store nighttime power, and discharge the stored power in the daytime to level the power load. It can also be applied to a stationary battery device that is installed in a power generation farm together with a solar power generation system and the like, and is installed as an electric power storage system that suppresses fluctuations in output of the power generation system.

《Capacitor applied to battery device》
As a battery constituting the battery device, a lithium ion secondary battery will be described as an example.

<Schematic configuration of the battery>
A lithium ion secondary battery (cell) is a battery that charges and discharges electric energy by an electrochemical reaction of a power generation (power storage) element housed together with an electrolyte (non-aqueous solvent) in a metal case (battery). . The shape of the lithium ion secondary battery includes a cylindrical shape, a square shape, and a laminate. In the embodiments described below, a case where a square lithium ion secondary battery is used will be described as an example.

《Other applicable capacitors》
As the battery, another secondary battery (storage battery) such as a lead battery or a nickel metal hydride battery, or a capacitor such as an electric double layer capacitor or a lithium ion capacitor may be used.

<< Typical technical problems in application application of invention >>
A plug-in hybrid vehicle basically travels in EV mode, that is, only a motor driven using electric energy stored in a battery device, and the storage capacity of the battery device attempts to fall below a lower limit value. In the HEV mode, that is, the engine and the motor, which are internal combustion engines, are driven as power sources, and the generator is driven by the engine power to charge the battery device. Thus, since the plug-in hybrid vehicle has the EV mode, the battery device mounted in the plug-in hybrid vehicle is required to have a larger storage capacity than the battery device mounted in the hybrid vehicle. In order to increase the storage capacity of the battery device, the battery device may be configured using a capacitor having a large storage capacity. Here, a high capacity prismatic lithium ion secondary battery is used as the battery. On the other hand, high safety is required for lithium ion secondary batteries. In order to ensure high safety in a lithium ion secondary battery, it is important to detect an abnormality in the lithium ion secondary battery.

<Outline of typical means for solving technical problems>
Unlike the cylindrical lithium ion secondary battery in which the battery case (outer tank) is configured by a pressure vessel, the prismatic lithium ion secondary battery expands as the pressure in the battery case increases. This phenomenon is observed not only when charging a prismatic lithium ion secondary battery, but also when there is an abnormality such as an internal short circuit between electrodes, an external short circuit, or overcharge. Moreover, the swelling due to the increase in the pressure in the battery case differs depending on the event occurring in the prismatic lithium ion secondary battery. Therefore, the state (abnormality) of the prismatic lithium ion secondary battery can be detected by detecting the internal pressure that is the cause of the swelling that is the shape change of the prismatic lithium ion secondary battery. The internal pressure, which is the cause of the bulge that is the shape change of the prismatic lithium ion secondary battery, is proportional to the strain (deformation) caused by the bulge (stress that is the expansion force) that is the shape change of the prismatic lithium ion secondary battery. It is in.

  Therefore, in the embodiment described below, an element capable of measuring a strain (deformation) caused by a bulge (stress which is an expansion force) which is a shape change of the prismatic lithium ion secondary battery, for example, a strain gauge (sensor). Is attached to the surface of the battery case constituting the prismatic lithium ion secondary battery, and the distortion caused by the bulging that is the shape change of the prismatic lithium ion secondary battery is measured. From this measurement result, the prismatic lithium ion secondary battery is measured. An increase in internal pressure (pressure inside the battery case), which is a cause of swelling, which is a change in battery shape, is detected, and an abnormality in the prismatic lithium ion secondary battery is detected based on the detection result.

《Typical effects by means of solution》
As described above, according to the embodiment described below, the abnormality of the prismatic lithium ion secondary battery is detected by measuring the distortion caused by the bulge that is the shape change of the prismatic lithium ion secondary battery. Therefore, the safety of the prismatic lithium ion secondary battery can be improved. Therefore, according to the embodiment described below, a highly reliable battery device can be provided.

<< Other technical issues, solutions and operational effects thereof >>
The strain gauge is preferably attached to the surface of a portion where the shape of the battery case constituting the square lithium ion secondary battery changes. This is because the distortion caused by the swelling, which is the shape change of the square lithium ion secondary battery, can be measured directly and with high sensitivity. However, if a strain gauge is attached to the surface of the part of the battery case that changes the shape of the prismatic lithium-ion secondary battery, the design of the battery module composed of multiple prismatic lithium-ion secondary batteries is greatly restricted. May give. For example, when you want to increase the mounting density of a prismatic lithium ion secondary battery to reduce the size of the battery module, the size of the prismatic lithium ion secondary battery cannot be reduced due to the installation of a strain gauge. Design flexibility may be reduced. For this reason, when attaching the strain gauge to the prismatic lithium ion secondary battery, it is desirable to attach it in consideration of the configuration of the battery module.

  In addition, in order to improve the abnormality detection accuracy of each of the plurality of prismatic lithium ion secondary batteries constituting the battery module, the internal pressure that is the cause of the bulging that is the shape change of each prismatic lithium ion secondary battery is accurately measured. It is preferable to detect it. For this purpose, it is conceivable to attach a strain gauge to each of the plurality of prismatic lithium ion secondary batteries. However, in that case, strain gauges are required as many as the number of prismatic lithium ion secondary batteries, and in particular, a battery device using about 100 or more prismatic lithium ion secondary batteries can have a significant increase in price. In addition, it is conceivable that the number of wires extending from the strain gauge to the control device increases or that the wiring is complicated. For this reason, when measuring strain caused by swelling, which is a change in shape of a prismatic lithium ion secondary battery, with a strain gauge, each strain gauge is smaller than the number of prismatic lithium ion secondary batteries. It is preferable to be able to measure strain caused by swelling which is a shape change of the prismatic lithium ion secondary battery.

  Therefore, in the embodiment described below, one strain gauge is replaced with a part different from a part where a bulge that is a shape change of the battery case constituting the prismatic lithium ion secondary battery, for example, a prismatic lithium ion secondary battery. It is possible to capture the distortion caused by the bulge that is the shape change of the battery case that constitutes the battery. Other battery cases that are different from the part that causes the bulge that is the shape change of the battery case that constitutes the square lithium ion secondary battery Attach it to the surface of the part, or to the surface of the part that can catch the distortion caused by the bulging that is the shape change of the prismatic lithium ion secondary battery of the lashing member that ties up a plurality of prismatic lithium ion secondary batteries Yes. When measuring the strain with a strain gauge attached to another part different from the part where the bulge of the battery case occurs, the distortion generated in the direction in which the distortion can be greatly amplified is measured among the distortions generated in the measurement part. When attaching the strain gauge to the lashing member, the surface of the portion of the lashing member that can amplify the strain caused by the bulge that is the shape change of the prismatic lithium ion secondary battery, or attaching the strain gauge to the lashing member An amplification mechanism for amplifying the strain generated by the bulge that is a shape change of the prismatic lithium ion secondary battery is provided at the site, and a strain gauge is attached to the surface in the vicinity of the amplification mechanism.

  Thus, according to the embodiment described below, the surface of another part of the battery case different from the part where the bulge that is the shape change of the battery case constituting the prismatic lithium ion secondary battery occurs. To measure the strain in a direction that can greatly amplify the strain generated in the tie, or on the surface of the portion of the tying member that can amplify the strain generated by the bulge that is a shape change of the square lithium ion secondary battery, or A strain gauge is attached to the surface in the vicinity of the amplifying mechanism that amplifies the strain generated by the bulge, which is a shape change of the prismatic lithium ion secondary battery, so that the battery module can be designed and assembled. In areas where the impact is small, the number of strain gauges is less than the number of prismatic lithium ion secondary batteries. Distortion caused by bulging is Jo change can be measured with good sensitivity. Therefore, according to the embodiment described below, the price of the battery device can be reduced by the amount that the number of strain gauges can be smaller than the number of square lithium ion secondary batteries. Further, according to the embodiment described below, the number of wires extending from the strain gauge to the control device can be reduced, and the wiring can be easily routed. Furthermore, according to the embodiment described below, it is possible to reduce the influence of the strain gauge attachment on the design and assembly of the battery module. Furthermore, even if the number of strain gauges is smaller than the number of prismatic lithium ion secondary batteries, it is possible to reliably detect the abnormality of each of the plurality of prismatic lithium ion secondary batteries constituting the battery module.

  There are other problems to be solved and solutions. These will be described in the following embodiments, along with their solutions, by replacing them with effects that reverse the problem.

  Each embodiment will be specifically described below with reference to the drawings.

Embodiment 1
1st Embodiment is described based on FIG. 1 thru | or FIG.

  First, the configuration of the drive system of the plug-in hybrid vehicle 1 including the battery device 100 will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 1 shows a configuration of a drive system of a plug-in hybrid vehicle 1 and an electrical connection configuration of each component of an electric drive device constituting a part thereof.

  In FIG. 1, a thick solid line indicates a strong electric system, and a thin solid line indicates a weak electric system.

<Drive system applied to plug-in hybrid vehicles>
A plug-in hybrid vehicle (hereinafter referred to as “PHEV”) 1 includes a parallel hybrid drive system.

  The parallel hybrid drive system has an internal combustion engine 4 and a motor generator 200 arranged in parallel with respect to the drive wheels 2 in terms of energy flow (structurally via a clutch 5 which is a power transmission control mechanism). Engine 4 and motor generator 200 are mechanically connected in series), driving wheel 2 is driven by the rotational power of engine 4, driving wheel 2 is driven by the rotational power of motor generator 200, and engine 4 and motor generator 200 are connected. The driving wheel 2 can be driven by both rotational powers. That is, the parallel hybrid type drive system uses the engine 4 as a power source and an engine drive device mainly used as a drive source for PHEV1, and the motor generator 200 as a power source, and is mainly used as a drive source for PHEV1 and a power generation source for PHEV1. An electric drive device.

  In the hybrid system, the generator is driven using the rotational power of the engine, which is an internal combustion engine, the motor generator is driven using the electric power generated by the driving, and the driving wheel is driven using the rotational power generated by the driving. There is a series hybrid system in which the flow of energy from the so-called engine to the drive wheels is a series. Moreover, as a hybrid system, a series-parallel hybrid system combining the above-described parallel hybrid system and the above-described series hybrid system (part of the engine's rotational power is distributed to a generator motor generator for power generation, and thus obtained. There is a system in which an engine and two motor generators are mechanically connected using a power transmission mechanism such as a planetary gear mechanism so that the driving motor generator can be driven by electric power.

  In the present embodiment, a parallel hybrid drive system will be described as an example. However, the battery device 100 of the present embodiment described below may be applied to the battery device of another hybrid drive system described above. I do not care.

<Configuration of drive system>
An axle 3 is rotatably supported on the front or rear portion of the vehicle body (not shown). A pair of drive wheels 2 are provided at both ends of the axle 3. Although not shown in the drawings, an axle having a pair of driven wheels at both ends is rotatably supported at the rear part or the front part of the vehicle body. The PHEV 1 employs a front wheel drive system in which the drive wheels 2 are front wheels and the driven wheels are rear wheels. As a driving method, a rear wheel driving method or a four-wheel driving method (a method in which one of the front and rear wheels is driven by an engine driving device and the other is driven by an electric driving device) may be adopted.

  A differential gear (hereinafter referred to as “DEF”) 7 is provided at the center of the axle 3. The axle 3 is mechanically connected to the output side of the DEF 7. The output shaft of the transmission 6 is mechanically connected to the input side of the DEF 7. The DEF 7 is a differential power distribution mechanism that distributes the rotational driving force that has been shifted and transmitted by the transmission 6 to the left and right axles 3. The output side of the motor generator 200 is mechanically connected to the input side of the transmission 6. The output side of the engine 4 is mechanically connected to the input side of the motor generator 200 via the clutch 5 which is a power transmission control mechanism. The clutch 5 is controlled to be in an engaged state when the rotational power of the engine 4 is transmitted to the drive wheels 2 and to be disconnected when the rotational power of the engine 4 is not transmitted to the drive wheels 2.

  The motor generator 200 and the clutch 5 are housed inside the housing of the transmission 6.

<Configuration of motor generator>
The motor generator 200 includes an armature (stator in this embodiment) 210 provided with an armature winding 211 and a field magnet (this embodiment) provided with a permanent magnet 221 disposed opposite to the armature 210 via a gap. , A rotating electric machine having a rotor 220, and functions as a motor when the PHEV 1 is powered, and as a generator when the PHEV 1 is regenerated or when power generation is required.

  In the present embodiment, a case where a three-phase AC synchronous machine (permanent magnet field type) is used as the motor generator 200 will be described as an example, but another three-phase AC synchronous machine (winding field type) or You may use a three-phase alternating current induction machine (thing using the field with which the conductor bar short-circuited to the field iron core was equipped).

<Operation of motor generator>
When the motor generator 200 functions as a motor, that is, when it is in an operation mode that requires rotational power, such as when the PHEV 1 is powered or when the engine 4 is started, the electric energy accumulated in the battery device 100 is converted into the inverter device 300. Is supplied to the armature winding 211. As a result, the motor generator 200 generates rotational power (mechanical energy) by the magnetic action between the armature 210 and the field 220 and outputs the rotational power. The rotational power output from the motor generator 200 is transmitted to the axle 3 via the transmission 6 and the DEF 7 when the PHEV 1 is powered, drives the drive wheels 2, and starts the engine 4 via the clutch 5 when the engine 4 is started. To drive the engine 4.

  When the motor generator 200 functions as a generator, that is, when the battery device 100 is in an operation mode that requires power generation, such as when the PHEV 1 is decelerated or braked, or when the battery device 100 needs to be charged while the PHEV 1 is running. The mechanical energy (rotational power) transmitted from the drive wheel 2 or the engine 4 is transmitted to the motor generator 200, and the motor generator 200 is driven. As described above, when the motor generator 200 is driven, a voltage is induced in the armature winding 211 by the magnetic action between the armature 210 and the field 220. Thereby, motor generator 200 generates electric power and outputs the electric power. The electric power output from the motor generator 200 is supplied to the battery device 100 via the inverter device 300. Thereby, the battery apparatus 100 is charged.

<Configuration of inverter device>
The driving of the motor generator 200 is controlled by controlling the power between the armature 210 and the battery device 100 by the inverter device 300. That is, inverter device 300 is a control device for motor generator 200.

  The inverter device 300 is a power conversion device that converts electric power from direct current to alternating current and from alternating current to direct current by a switching operation of the switching semiconductor element, and is a power circuit 310 and a drive circuit that drives the switching semiconductor element mounted on the power module 310. 330, an electrolytic capacitor 320 that is electrically connected in parallel to the DC side of the power module 310, smooths the DC voltage, and generates a switching command for the switching semiconductor element of the power module 310, and drives a signal corresponding to the switching command. A motor control device 340 for outputting to the circuit 330 is provided.

  In the power module 310, two switching semiconductor elements (upper arm and lower arm) are electrically connected in series, and a series circuit (an arm for one phase) is electrically connected in parallel for three phases (three-phase bridge). In this structure, six switching semiconductor elements are mounted on a substrate and electrically connected by a connection conductor such as an aluminum wire so that a power conversion circuit is configured.

  As the switching semiconductor element, a metal oxide semiconductor field effect transistor (MOSFET) or an insulated gate bipolar transistor (IGBT) is used. Here, when the power conversion circuit is configured by a MOSFET, a parasitic diode exists between the drain electrode and the source electrode, so that it is not necessary to separately mount a diode element between them. On the other hand, when the power conversion circuit is constituted by an IGBT, there is no diode element between the collector electrode and the emitter electrode. Therefore, it is necessary to separately connect the diode element electrically in antiparallel between them. is there.

  The side opposite to the lower arm connection side of each upper arm (in the case of IGBT, the collector electrode side) is led out from the DC side of the power module 310 and is electrically connected to the positive side of the battery device 100. The side opposite to the upper arm connection side of each lower arm (emitter electrode side in the case of IGBT) is led out from the DC side of the power module 310 and is electrically connected to the negative side of the battery device 100. The middle point of each arm, that is, the connection point between the lower arm connection side of the upper arm (in the case of IGBT, the emitter electrode side of the upper arm) and the upper arm connection side of the lower arm (in the case of IGBT, the collector electrode side of the lower arm) Is derived from the AC side of the power module 310 to the outside and is electrically connected to the corresponding phase winding of the armature winding 211.

  The electrolytic capacitor 320 is a smoothing capacitor that suppresses voltage fluctuation caused by the high-speed switching operation of the switching semiconductor element. A film capacitor may be used instead of the electrolytic capacitor 320 as the smoothing capacitor.

  The motor control device 340 receives the torque command signal output from the vehicle control device 8 that controls the entire vehicle, and generates switching command signals (for example, PWM (pulse width modulation) signals) for the six switching semiconductor elements. This is an electronic circuit device that outputs to the drive circuit 330, and is configured by mounting a plurality of electronic components including an arithmetic processing device such as a microcomputer on a circuit board, and is thermally isolated from the power module 310. Placed in the body.

  The drive circuit 330 is an electronic circuit device that receives the switching command signal output from the motor control device 340, generates drive signals for the six switching semiconductor elements, and outputs them to the gate electrodes of the six switching semiconductor elements. A plurality of electronic components such as semiconductor elements and amplifiers are mounted on a circuit board, and are arranged in the vicinity of the power module 310, for example, in the upper part of the case of the power module 310.

《Functions of vehicle control device》
The vehicle control device 8 responds to a motor torque command signal for the motor control device 340 and an engine control device (not shown) based on a plurality of state parameters indicating the driving state of the vehicle, such as a torque request from the driver and a vehicle speed. Each engine torque command signal is generated, and the torque command signal is output to the corresponding control device.

  The engine control device is an electronic device that controls driving of an air throttle valve, a fuel injection valve, an intake / exhaust valve, and the like, which are components of the engine 4.

<Battery device configuration>
Battery device 100 is a power storage device that constitutes a power supply for driving motor generator 200 and has a high output density and energy density higher than that of a conventional hybrid vehicle drive battery. It is electrically connected to the inverter device 300 and the charger 500 via the box 400.

  The battery device 100 is a power storage device that is charged and discharged by the inverter device 300 and the charger 500, and includes a battery module 110 and a control device as main parts.

  The battery module 110 and the control device are included in one power supply case together with other components including a measuring instrument, a cooling device (for example, a cooling fan that blows air to the battery module 110 when cooling air is used as a cooling medium), and a relay. It is stored in. The power supply casing is installed under a seat in the vehicle cabin or under a trunk room or a floor. In the power supply housing, high voltage devices similar to the battery device 100 such as the inverter device 300 and the charger 500 may be housed together.

《Battery module configuration》
The battery module 110 is a storage where electric energy can be taken in and out, and is electrically connected to the inverter device 300 and the charger 500.

  The battery module 110 includes a plurality of lithium ion battery cells 111 (hereinafter simply referred to as “battery cells 111”) capable of storing and releasing electrical energy (charging and discharging DC power). The plurality of battery cells 111 are arranged inside a storage case (module case) and are electrically connected in series. Thereby, one assembled battery is comprised in the battery module 110. FIG. The battery cell 111 is the smallest structural unit in the battery module 110 and may be called a single battery. The nominal output voltage of the battery cell 111 is 3.0 to 4.2 volts (the average nominal output voltage is 3.6 volts).

  The plurality of battery cells 111 are divided into a plurality of battery groups by being divided by a predetermined number of units in terms of state management and control. In other words, a predetermined number of battery cells 111 are electrically connected in series to form one battery group, and a plurality of the battery groups are electrically connected in series to form an assembled battery. ing. As the predetermined number of units, for example, four, six, ten, twelve, and so on are divided equally according to the order of potential from the highest potential side to the lowest battery side. Further, as the predetermined number of units, there may be a combination classification according to the order of potentials from the highest potential side to the lowest battery side, such as a combination of 4 and 6 units.

  In PHEV1, about 100 to about 200 battery cells 111 are actually mounted, and are electrically connected in series or series-parallel.

  The actual configuration of the battery module 110 will be described later.

<Sensor configuration>
In the charge / discharge path between the positive electrode side of the battery module 110 and the DC positive electrode side of the inverter device 300 (power module 310), the current supplied from the battery module 110 to the inverter device 300 (power module 310) or the inverter device. A current measuring device (circuit) or a current sensor for detecting a current supplied from 300 (power module 310) to the battery module 110 is electrically connected in series. Between the positive electrode and the negative electrode of the battery module 110, a voltage measuring device (circuit) or a voltage sensor for detecting a voltage (total voltage) between the positive electrode and the negative electrode of the battery module 110 is electrically connected in parallel. Yes. Inside the battery module 110, a plurality of temperature measuring devices (circuits) or temperature sensors such as a thermistor and a thermocouple are provided.

<Control device configuration>
The control device is an electronic control device composed of a plurality of electronic circuit components, manages and controls the state of the battery module 110, and provides an allowable charge / discharge amount to the inverter device 300 and the charger 500, thereby providing a battery module. Controls the entry and exit of electrical energy at 110.

  Functionally, the control device is configured to be divided into two layers. The battery control device 130 corresponds to the upper (parent) in the battery device 100, and corresponds to the lower (child) of the battery control device 130. Cell controller 120.

  The battery control device 130 and the cell control device 120 are connected by a communication circuit so that electrical signals can be exchanged between them. The battery control device 130 and the cell control device 120 have different operating power supplies and different reference potentials. That is, the cell control device 120 uses the battery module 110 that is floating from the chassis ground as a power source, whereas the battery control device 130 uses a low voltage battery for in-vehicle auxiliary equipment (for example, a 14-volt system) that uses the chassis ground as a reference potential. Battery). For this reason, the insulating element 140 is provided in the middle of the communication line (signal transmission path) between the battery control device 130 and the cell control apparatus 120, and the communication line (signal transmission path) on one side of the insulating element 140 is provided. And the communication line (signal transmission path) on the other side of the insulating element 140 are electrically insulated. This enables signal transmission between the battery control device 130 and the cell control device 120 using electrical signals having different reference potentials.

  The case where a photo coupler is used as the insulating element 140 will be described as an example. The photocoupler is an optical element that converts an electrical signal into an optical signal on the light emitting side and transmits it to the light receiving side, and converts the optical signal into an electrical signal on the light receiving side path. As the insulating element 140, other insulating elements such as a coupling capacitor and a transformer may be used. The coupling capacitor is a capacitive coupling element that does not pass a direct current but flows an alternating current (electric signal). A transformer is a magnetic element that converts an electrical signal into a magnetic signal on the primary side and transmits it to the secondary side, and converts the magnetic signal into an electrical signal on the secondary side.

  The communication circuit is composed of two serial communication circuits. Between the battery control device 130 and the cell control device 120, a multi-byte signal having a plurality of areas is transmitted via a single serial communication circuit, such as a command signal for operating the cell control device 120. A 1-bit signal passes through another serial communication circuit, such as a high / low level flag signal indicating the presence or absence of an abnormality or a high / low level test signal for confirming an abnormality. Are transmitted. The serial communication circuit employs a communication system called LIN (Local Interconnect Network). A communication method called LIN is positioned as a sub-network method of a communication method called CAN (Controller Area Network).

  In the present embodiment, a case where two serial communication circuits are provided will be described as an example. The number of communication circuits may be one or three or more.

  The command signal is transmitted from the battery control device 130 to the cell control device 120 via one serial communication circuit, and returns to the battery control device 130 via one serial communication circuit. As the command signal, a command signal for requesting transmission of the detected terminal voltage of each battery cell 111, a command signal for executing adjustment of the state of charge of the battery cell 111, and for starting the cell control device 120 There are a command signal, a command signal for stopping the operation of the cell control device 120, a command signal for confirming the content of the abnormality notified from the cell control device 120, and the like.

  A high / low level flag signal indicating the presence / absence of an abnormality is transmitted to an internal circuit or a circuit element in each of a plurality of integrated circuits constituting the cell control device 120, for example, a voltage detection circuit that detects a terminal voltage of each battery cell 111, In the case where there is an abnormality in the switching semiconductor element constituting the bypass circuit, or when there is an abnormality in overcharge / discharge (particularly overcharge) in any of the plurality of battery cells 111 constituting the battery group, the integrated circuit detecting the abnormality To the battery control device 130 via another serial communication circuit. Thereby, the battery control device 130 can quickly recognize the presence / absence of an abnormality, can promptly notify the host control device such as the vehicle control device 8 and the motor control device 340 of the presence / absence of an abnormality, and prohibits charging / discharging by opening a relay described later. It is possible to respond quickly to any abnormalities.

  The High / Low level test signal for confirming the abnormality is transmitted to the other serial communication circuit in each of the plurality of integrated circuits constituting the cell control device 120, whether or not the other serial communication circuit is disconnected. It is a signal for confirming whether there is an abnormality in the signal input / output circuit that is electrically connected, and is transmitted from the battery control device 130 to the cell control device 120 via another serial communication circuit, The cell controller 120 returns to the battery controller 130 via another serial communication circuit. If there is a disconnection abnormality in another serial communication circuit, for example, a High level test signal output from the battery control device 130 returns to the battery control device 130 as a Low level signal. Thereby, the battery control apparatus 130 can detect an abnormality in another serial communication system.

<Configuration of cell control device>
The cell control device 120 operates as a limb of the battery control device 130 based on the command signal output from the battery control device 130, and manages and controls each state of the plurality of battery cells 111. An integrated circuit (hereinafter referred to as a “cell-con IC (Integrated Circuit)”) is provided. The plurality of cell control ICs are provided individually corresponding to each of the plurality of battery groups described above, and the cell control is performed so as to manage and control the respective states of the plurality of battery cells 111 constituting the corresponding battery group. Other components constituting the device 120, such as circuit elements for noise removal or protection, and the insulating element 140 described above are mounted on a circuit board.

  Each of the plurality of cell control ICs is electrically connected to the positive electrode and the negative electrode of each of the plurality of battery cells 111 constituting the corresponding battery group. Thereby, each of the plurality of cell control ICs captures and detects the terminal voltages between the positive electrodes and the negative electrodes of the plurality of battery cells 111 constituting the corresponding battery group. Each of the plurality of cell control ICs includes a positive electrode side of the battery cell 111 positioned at the highest potential and a negative electrode side of the battery cell 111 positioned at the lowest potential among the plurality of battery cells 111 constituting the corresponding battery group. Is input as a power supply voltage for generating an operating voltage (for example, 3 to 5 V) of an internal circuit (for example, an analog / digital converter for detecting a terminal voltage). Further, each of the plurality of cell control ICs inputs, as a reference potential, the potential on the negative electrode side of the battery cell 111 positioned at the lowest potential among the plurality of battery cells 111 constituting the corresponding battery group.

  Each of the plurality of cell control ICs is a battery that requires adjustment of the charge state among the plurality of battery cells 111 constituting the corresponding battery group based on the command signal related to the adjustment of the charge state output from the battery control device 130. The state of charge of the cell 111 is adjusted. For this reason, the cell control device 120 includes a bypass circuit that is electrically connected in parallel between the positive and negative electrodes of the plurality of battery cells 111. The bypass circuit is configured by a series circuit in which a resistor and a switching semiconductor element are electrically connected in series. The resistor is externally attached to the cell capacitor IC. The switching semiconductor element is built in the cellcon IC.

  Here, the battery cell 111 that requires adjustment of the charge state is, for example, an average charge state that is an average (intermediate) value of the highest terminal voltage and the lowest terminal voltage among the inter-terminal voltages of the plurality of battery cells 111. The battery cell 111 in a charged state higher than a predetermined level is shown. In addition, the battery control device 130 obtains the discharge time of the battery cell 111 based on the charge state of the battery cell 111 that needs to be adjusted, and uses the information related to the discharge time as a command signal as one serial communication circuit. Is transmitted to the cell controller IC corresponding to the battery cell 111 that needs to be charged.

  In the present embodiment, a case where a resistor constituting the bypass circuit is externally attached to the outside of the cell capacitor IC and a switching semiconductor element constituting the bypass circuit is built in the cell capacitor IC will be described as an example. Both the resistor and the switching semiconductor element constituting the circuit may be externally attached to the outside of the cellcon IC, or may be incorporated inside the cellcon IC.

  When a command signal related to the adjustment of the charging state (related to the discharge time) is transmitted from the battery control device 130 to the cell controller IC corresponding to the battery cell 111 that needs the adjustment of the charging state via one serial communication circuit, the charging state The cell control IC corresponding to the battery cell 111 that needs to be adjusted causes the built-in switching semiconductor element corresponding to the battery cell 111 that needs to be adjusted to be charged, based on the input command signal. As a result, the switching semiconductor element corresponding to the battery cell 111 that needs to be charged is turned on.

  When the switching semiconductor element corresponding to the battery cell 111 that needs to be charged is turned on, the bypass circuit corresponding to the battery cell 111 that needs to be charged is adjusted to the battery cell 111 that needs to be charged. Is electrically connected. As a result, an electrical closed loop is formed, and the battery cell 111 that needs to be charged is started to discharge. When the battery cell 111 that needs to be adjusted in the charging state starts discharging, the current output from the battery cell 111 that needs to be adjusted in the charging state flows to the resistor and is consumed as heat. The conduction (ON) of the switching semiconductor element corresponding to the battery cell 111 that needs to be adjusted in the charge state continues for the discharge time instructed based on the command signal. During this time, the current output from the battery cell 111 that needs to be charged is consumed as heat by the resistor. Thereby, the charge amount of the battery cell 111 that needs to be adjusted in the charged state is reduced, and the battery cell 111 that needs to be adjusted in the charged state is adjusted so that the charged state approaches the average charged state.

  Each of the plurality of cell controller ICs includes a circuit for diagnosing an abnormality. As described above, the abnormality diagnosis is broadly divided into abnormality diagnosis on the battery cell 111 side, that is, the plurality of battery cells 111 constituting the battery group corresponding to each of the plurality of cell controller ICs are overdischarged or overcharged. There are two types of diagnosis: an abnormality diagnosis on the cell control device 120 side. In the former abnormality diagnosis, the voltage between the terminals of the battery cell 111 measured by the voltage detection described above is compared with the overdischarge threshold and the overcharge threshold, and when the terminal voltage falls below the overdischarge threshold, the overdischarge, the terminal voltage Is overcharged, it is diagnosed as overcharged. The latter abnormality diagnosis includes diagnosis of whether or not there is an abnormality in each voltage detection circuit of a plurality of cellcon ICs, diagnosis of whether or not a switching semiconductor element constituting the bypass circuit is abnormal, and the internal temperature of the cellcon IC is allowable. There are a plurality of abnormality diagnoses including a diagnosis of whether or not the temperature is over.

  When an abnormality is detected by the abnormality diagnosis, the cell controller IC that detects the abnormality transmits a High / Low level 1-bit signal indicating the presence / absence of abnormality to the battery control device 130 via another serial communication circuit. Send. Each of the plurality of cell controller ICs stores an over-discharge and over-charge abnormality flag of the battery cell 111 and an abnormality flag for internal circuit diagnosis, and the abnormality information from the battery control device 130 is stored via one serial communication circuit. When a command signal related to the confirmation request is transmitted, data that can confirm the content of the abnormality corresponding to the stored abnormality flag is output to the battery control device 130 via one serial communication circuit. Thereby, the battery control apparatus 130 can confirm the abnormal content.

<Configuration of battery control device>
The battery control device 130 manages and controls the state of the battery module 110, notifies the vehicle control device 8 or the motor control device 340 of the allowable charge / discharge amount, and controls electronic energy in and out of the battery module 110. The device is equipped with a microcontroller. The microcontroller is incorporated in an integrated circuit and mounted on a circuit board along with other electronic circuit components. Other electronic circuit components include, for example, a voltage measuring device, a power supply circuit (a regulator that drives the microcontroller by stepping down a 12 volt voltage supplied from a 14 volt battery to a 5 volt voltage, for example, and supplying the voltage to the microcontroller. Circuit), leak detector (whether or not the strong electric system from the battery module 110 to the motor generator 200 and the chassis ground serving as the reference potential of the weak electric system are electrically connected (short circuited). Measuring instrument for detecting).

  In the present embodiment, the case where the battery control device 130 is configured on another circuit board separated from the circuit board configuring the cell control device 120 will be described as an example. You may comprise on a board | substrate.

  The battery control device 130 includes a measurement signal output from the current measuring device, voltage measuring device, and temperature measuring device described above, and a command signal returned from the cell control device 120 (command signal in which requested data is written in the data area). And other one serial communication system abnormality diagnosis test signal, 1-bit signal indicating abnormality output from the cell controller 120, on / off signal based on the operation of the ignition key switch, and vehicle control as a host controller A plurality of signals including signals output from the device 8 or the motor control device 340 are input. An on / off signal based on the operation of the ignition key switch, and a signal output from the vehicle control device 8 or the motor control device 340 as a host control device are referred to as the above-described CAN (Controller Area Network) battery control device 130, vehicle control. The information is input to the battery control device 130 via a local area network for connecting a plurality of control devices in the automobile such as the device 8 and the motor control device 340 and transmitting / receiving information to / from each other.

  The battery control device 130 determines the state of the battery module 110 (for example, the battery) based on a plurality of pieces of information including information obtained from the input signals, preset characteristic information of the battery cell 111 and calculation information necessary for the calculation. Calculation for detecting the charging state of the module 110 "hereinafter referred to as SOC (State Of Charge)" and the deterioration state "hereinafter referred to as SOH (State Of Health)", calculation for controlling the battery module 110, and battery The battery control device 130 executes a plurality of calculations including a calculation for controlling the charge / discharge amount of the module 110. Based on the calculation results, the battery control device 130 receives a command signal for the cell control device 120, and the charge / discharge of the battery module 110. A signal related to the allowable charge / discharge amount for controlling the discharge amount, a signal related to the SOC of the battery module 110, It generates and outputs a plurality of signals including signals regarding SOH of the module 110.

  Of the signals output from the battery control device 130, a signal related to the allowable charge / discharge amount (allowable charge / discharge current or allowable charge / discharge power), a signal related to the SOC, a signal related to the SOH, and a signal related to the notification of the abnormal state are higher-level control devices. The data is output to the vehicle control device 8 or the motor control device 340 via a local area network (CAN). Among these, the signal regarding the allowable charge / discharge amount is that the battery device 100 is charged / discharged within the range of the allowable charge / discharge amount, and AC power based on the torque command signal output from the vehicle control device 8 is sent from the power module 310 to the motor generator 200. The AC power output from the motor generator 200 is converted into DC power by the power module 310 and supplied to the battery device 100 based on the torque command signal output from the vehicle control device 8. In this way, it is input to the motor control device 340. The motor control device 340 switches the switching semiconductor of the power module 310 so that on / off of the switching semiconductor element of the power module 310 is controlled based on the signal regarding the allowable charge / discharge amount and the torque command signal output from the vehicle control device 8. A switching command signal is output to the drive circuit 330 that drives the element.

  The battery control device 130 includes a leak detection device (not shown). The leak detection device includes an MCU (digital processing unit) and an analog processing unit. Between the strong electric system from the battery module 110 to the motor generator 200 and the chassis ground serving as the reference potential of the weak electric system, It is detected whether or not there is a leak due to the electrical connection between them.

  There are both leak detection methods called an AC method and a DC method. The alternating current method is obtained by injecting an alternating current waveform (for example, a rectangular wave) from the MCU into a capacitive coupling element (coupling capacitor) electrically connected to the positive electrode side or the negative electrode side of the battery module 110. In this method, the presence or absence of a leak is detected by comparing the digital value of the response waveform with a threshold value. The direct current method includes a first resistance voltage dividing circuit electrically connected between the positive electrode of the battery module 110 and the chassis ground, and a second resistor electrically connected between the negative electrode of the battery module 110 and the chassis ground. In this method, the insulation resistance corresponding to each digital value of the voltage obtained from the voltage divider circuit is calculated, and the presence or absence of leakage is detected by comparing whether or not the ratio is within a predetermined threshold range. is there.

  An analog value related to a response waveform or a voltage obtained by processing in the analog processing unit of the leak detection apparatus is input to the MCU. The MCU converts the analog value into a digital value by an analog-to-digital converter, and compares the preset leak determination threshold value with the digital value to determine the presence or absence of leak detection. When a leak is detected, the MCU notifies the vehicle control device 8 or the motor control device 340 of the information.

  The signal output from the ignition key switch is used as a signal for starting and stopping the battery device 100. When the signal output from the ignition key switch is an ON signal, the battery control device 130 is activated by the signal, and then the cell control device 120 (multiple cells) is activated by the activation signal (wake-up signal) output from the battery control device 130. The cercon IC) is activated. When the signal output from the ignition key switch is an OFF signal, a stop signal (sleep signal) is output from the battery control device 130 to the cell control device 120 according to the signal, and the cell control device 120 (a plurality of cell control devices) is output according to the signal. IC) stops, and then the battery control device 130 stops.

《Connection with low voltage battery device》
A battery device (not shown) having a voltage lower than that of the battery device 100 is electrically connected to the battery module 110. The low-voltage battery device is a lead battery having a nominal output voltage of 12 volts, which is an operation power source for in-vehicle auxiliary equipment such as lights and audio, and an electronic control device, and is electrically connected to the battery device 100 via a DC-DC converter (not shown). Connected. The DC-DC converter is a power converter for converting DC power into DC power that is stepped up and down to a predetermined voltage.

《Charger configuration》
In the plug-in mode in which the battery device 100 is charged from the home commercial power source 560 or the power supply device of the desk lamp, the power source plug 550 at the tip of the power cable electrically connected to the external power connection terminal of the charger 500 is used as the commercial power source. A power cable plugged into the outlet 570 on the 560 side or extending from the power supply device of the desk lamp is connected to the external power connection terminal of the charger 500, and the charger 500 and the commercial power supply 560 or the power supply device of the desk lamp are electrically connected. . Thereby, single-phase or three-phase AC power is supplied to the charger 500 from the commercial power source 560 or the power supply device of the desk lamp. The charger 500 converts the supplied AC power into DC power and adjusts it to the charging voltage of the battery device 100, and then supplies it to the battery device 100. Thereby, the battery apparatus 100 is charged.

  In this embodiment, a case where the household commercial power source 560 and the charger 500 are electrically connected to charge the battery device 100 will be described as an example. However, charging from the power supply device of the desk lamp is also basic. Specifically, the charging is performed in the same manner as charging from a commercial power source 560 at home. However, the current capacity and charging time supplied to the charger 500 are different between charging from the commercial power source 560 at home and charging from the power supply device of the desk lamp, and charging from the power supply device of the desk lamp is more The current capacity is larger than that of charging from the commercial power source 560 and the charging time is fast, that is, rapid charging is possible.

  The charger 500 converts AC power supplied from a commercial power source 560 at home into DC power, and boosts the converted DC power to a charging voltage of the battery device 100 and supplies it to the battery device 100. The AC / DC conversion circuit 510, the booster circuit 520, the drive circuit 530, and the charge control device 540 are provided as main components.

  The AC / DC converter circuit 510 is a power converter circuit that converts AC power supplied from an external power source into DC power and outputs the DC power. The AC / DC converter circuit 510 is configured by, for example, a bridge connection of a plurality of diode elements, and converts AC power supplied from an external power source. A rectifier circuit provided for rectifying to DC power and a power factor correction circuit electrically connected to the DC side of the rectifier circuit and provided to improve the power factor of the output of the rectifier circuit are provided. As a circuit for converting AC power into DC power, a circuit configured by bridge connection of a plurality of switching semiconductor elements in which diode elements are connected in antiparallel may be used.

  The step-up circuit 520 is a power conversion circuit for stepping up the DC power output from the AC / DC conversion circuit 510 (power factor improvement circuit) to the charging voltage of the battery device 100, and is composed of, for example, an insulation type DC-DC converter. ing. The isolated DC-DC converter is electrically connected to a transformer and a primary winding of the transformer, and is constituted by a bridge connection of a plurality of switching semiconductor elements. The DC power output from the AC / DC conversion circuit 510 is Is converted to AC power and input to the primary winding of the transformer, and is electrically connected to the secondary winding of the transformer and is constituted by a bridge connection of a plurality of diode elements. A rectifier circuit that rectifies AC power generated in the secondary winding of the DC coil into DC power, a smoothing reactor electrically connected in series to the positive side of the output side (DC side) of the rectifier circuit, and the output side of the rectifier circuit ( It is composed of a smoothing capacitor electrically connected in parallel between the positive and negative electrodes on the DC side).

  The charging control device 540 is output from the vehicle control device 8 in order to control the power, voltage, current, and the like supplied from the charger 500 to the battery device 100 at the time of charging, and the like. The switching command signal (for example, PWM (pulse width modulation) signal) for the plurality of switching semiconductor elements of the booster circuit 520 is generated and output to the drive circuit 530 in response to the received signal or the signal output from the battery control device 130. An electronic circuit device, which is configured by mounting a plurality of electronic components including an arithmetic processing device such as a microcomputer on a circuit board.

  The charging control device 540 receives the command signal output from the vehicle control device 8 and controls the operation of the charger 500. The command signal output from the vehicle control device 8 includes a command signal for starting charging and a command signal for ending charging. The command signal for starting charging monitors the voltage on the input side of the charger 500, both the charger 500 and the external power supply are electrically connected, and the voltage is applied to the input side of the charger 500 to charge the battery. This is output when it is determined that the start state has been reached. On the other hand, the command signal for ending the charging is output when it is determined that the battery device 100 is fully charged based on the signal output from the battery control device 130.

  The signal output from the battery control device 1300 is the allowable charge amount calculated based on the detected state of the assembled battery of the battery module 110.

  In the present embodiment, the case where the command signal for starting charging and the command signal for ending charging are output from the vehicle control device 8 is described as an example. However, the motor control device 340 or the battery device 100 is described. May be output.

  In addition, the charging control device 540 may make the same determination as the vehicle control device 8 in cooperation with the control device of the battery device 100 to control the start and end of charging.

  The drive circuit 530 receives the torque command signal output from the charge control device 540, generates drive signals for the plurality of switching semiconductor elements of the booster circuit 520, and outputs the drive signals to the gate electrodes of the plurality of switching semiconductor elements. And a plurality of electronic components such as switching semiconductor elements and amplifiers are mounted on a circuit board.

  When the AC / DC converting circuit 510 is configured by a switching semiconductor element, a switching command signal for the switching semiconductor element of the AC / DC converting circuit 510 is output from the charging control device 540 to the driving circuit 530, and the driving circuit 530 A drive signal for the switching semiconductor element of the AC / DC converter circuit 510 is output to the gate electrode of the switching semiconductor element of the AC / DC converter circuit 510, and the switching of the switching semiconductor element of the AC / DC converter circuit 510 is controlled.

<Relay configuration>
Inside the junction box 410, first and second positive side relays 410 and 430 and first and second negative side relays 420 and 440 are housed.

  The first positive electrode side relay 410 is a switch for controlling electrical connection between the direct current positive electrode side of the inverter device 300 (power module 310) and the positive electrode side of the battery device 100. The first negative side relay 420 is a switch for controlling the electrical connection between the DC negative side of the inverter device 300 (power module 310) and the negative side of the battery device 100. The second positive side relay 430 is a switch for controlling electrical connection between the DC positive side of the charger 500 (boost circuit 520) and the positive side of the battery device 100. The second negative side relay 440 is a switch for controlling an electrical connection between the DC negative side of the charger 500 (boost circuit 500) and the negative side of the battery device 100.

  The first positive side relay 410 and the first negative side relay 420 are turned on when the motor generator 200 is in an operation mode that requires rotational power and when the motor generator 200 is in an operation mode that requires power generation, and the vehicle stops. When in the mode (when the ignition key switch is opened), when the abnormality occurs in the electric drive device or the vehicle, or when the battery device 100 is charged by the charger 500, the battery device 100 is opened. On the other hand, the second positive side relay 430 and the second negative side relay 440 are turned on when the battery device 100 is charged by the charger 500, and when the charging of the battery device 100 by the charger 500 is completed, Opened when an abnormality occurs in the battery device 100.

  Opening / closing of the first positive electrode side relay 410 and the first negative electrode side relay 420 is controlled by an open / close command signal output from the vehicle control device 8. The opening and closing of the first positive electrode side relay 410 and the first negative electrode side relay 420 may be controlled by an open / close command signal output from another control device such as the motor control device 340 or the control device of the battery device 100. Opening / closing of the second positive side relay 430 and the second negative side relay 440 is controlled by an open / close command signal output from the charge control device 540. The opening / closing of the second positive electrode side relay 430 and the second negative electrode side relay 440 may be controlled by an open / close command signal output from another control device, for example, the control device of the vehicle control device 8 or the battery device 100.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, the first positive electrode side relay 410, the first negative electrode side relay 420, the second positive electrode side relay 430, and the second negative electrode side are provided between the battery device 100, the inverter device 300, and the charger 500. Since the relay 440 is provided so as to control the electrical connection between them, it is possible to ensure high safety with respect to the electric drive device having a high voltage.

<Detailed configuration of battery module>
Next, the configuration of the battery module 110 will be described in detail with reference to FIGS.

  2 and 3 show the overall configuration of one sub-square battery module 150 constituting the battery module 110. FIG. 4 shows the overall configuration of the end plate 151 that is one component of the sub-square battery module 150. FIG. 5 shows the overall configuration of the battery cell 111. FIG. 6 shows a configuration of the electrode winding body 41 housed in the battery case 20 of the battery cell 111.

  In the present embodiment, six battery cells 111 are tied together to form one sub-square battery module 150, and one battery module 110 is formed using several sub-square battery modules 150. ing. For example, when the battery module 110 is configured using 96 battery cells 111, 16 sub-square battery modules 150 are configured.

  In the present embodiment, a case where one sub-square battery module 150 is configured using six battery cells 111 will be described as an example. However, one sub-square battery module 150 is configured. The number of battery cells 111 may be other than six.

  In the present embodiment, the case where the battery module 110 is configured using a plurality of sub-square battery modules 150 will be described as an example. However, depending on the specification (for example, rated voltage) of an application to which the battery device is applied. One sub-square battery module 150 may be the battery module 110 in some cases.

《Battery cell configuration》
First, the structure of the battery cell 111 is demonstrated using FIG.5 and FIG.6.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the battery cell 111 is a flat rectangular battery cell and includes a sealed flat rectangular parallelepiped battery case 20. The battery case 20 is perpendicular to the two main surfaces along two rectangular main surfaces (for example, an upper surface and a lower surface) that are oppositely arranged and have the largest area, and four sides (four edges) of the two main surfaces. And four sub-surfaces (two sets of oppositely disposed side surfaces) having a smaller area than the main surface, and the length between the two main surfaces is the length of the four sides of the main surface It is a shorter hexahedron (short prism) and is composed of two components. One of the two constituent elements is a battery can 21 that is a flat rectangular parallelepiped container body that includes two main surfaces and three subsurfaces, and a portion corresponding to the remaining one subsurface is opened. The other of the two components is a battery lid 22 that is a rectangular flat plate that is formed so as to close the opening of the battery can 21 and whose outline matches the outline of the opening of the battery can 21. Both the battery can 21 and the battery lid 22 are joined by laser beam welding. The battery case 20 (battery can 21 and battery lid 22) is a metal member, and as the material thereof, aluminum or an alloy mainly composed of aluminum is used.

  In this embodiment, for convenience of explanation, regardless of the mounting direction of the battery cell 111, the surface opposite to the opening side of the battery can 21 which is a flat rectangular parallelepiped container body is the bottom surface, and the four sides of the bottom surface. Of the four surfaces provided perpendicular to the bottom surface along the bottom surface, two opposing surfaces provided perpendicular to the bottom surface along the long side of the bottom surface are provided perpendicular to the bottom surface along the first side surface and the short side of the bottom surface. These two opposing surfaces are defined as second side surfaces, respectively, and will be used in the following description.

  Further, in this embodiment, for convenience of explanation, two long sides arranged in parallel and opposed to each other, formed by two short sides that are orthogonal to the long side and arranged in parallel and have a length shorter than the long side. In a component having a rectangular planar shape, the direction extending in the same direction as the long side (short sides are opposed) is the longitudinal direction, and the direction extending in the same direction as the short side (long sides is facing) is the short direction Respectively, and will be used in the following description.

  The battery lid 22 is provided with a positive electrode external terminal 30 and a negative electrode external terminal 31 which are external conductor connection conductors for connecting to external conductors so as to protrude outward from the outer surface thereof. The positive electrode external terminal 30 is disposed at one end portion in the longitudinal direction of the battery lid 22, and the negative electrode external terminal 31 is disposed at the other end portion in the longitudinal direction of the battery lid 22. A positive electrode sealing material 32 is provided between the battery lid 22 and the positive electrode side external terminal 30 to electrically insulate the battery case 22 and keep the inside of the battery case 20 airtight and liquid tight. Between the battery lid 22 and the negative electrode side external terminal 31, there is provided a negative electrode sealing material 33 for electrically insulating the two and keeping the inside of the battery case 20 airtight and liquid tight. Inside the battery case 20, a positive electrode connection plate 34, which is an internal connection conductor, is mechanically and electrically connected to the positive electrode external terminal 30 while being electrically insulated from the battery lid 22 by the positive electrode sealing material 32. ing. Inside the battery case 20, the negative electrode external terminal 31 is mechanically and electrically connected to the negative electrode connection plate (not shown), which is an internal connection conductor, electrically insulated from the battery lid 22 by the negative electrode seal material 33. It is connected to the. Thus, since the positive electrode external terminal 30 and the negative electrode external terminal 31 are electrically insulated from the battery case 20, the battery case 20 is in an electrically neutral state, that is, has no potential. .

  The positive electrode external terminal 30 is a cylindrical metal member, and the material thereof is aluminum or an alloy mainly composed of aluminum. The negative electrode external terminal 31 is a cylindrical metal member, and copper or an alloy mainly composed of copper is used as the material thereof. The positive electrode sealing material 32 and the negative electrode sealing material 33 are resin members having electrical insulation, and polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), or perfluoroalkoxy fluorine (PFA) is used as the material thereof. . The positive electrode connection plate 34 is a metal molded body obtained by forming a flat plate into a predetermined shape, and aluminum or an alloy mainly composed of aluminum is used as the material thereof. The negative electrode connection plate has the same shape as that of the positive electrode connection plate 34, and is a metal molded body obtained by forming a flat plate into a predetermined shape, and copper or an alloy containing copper as a main material is used as the material thereof.

  A power generation element body 40 is accommodated inside the battery case 20 (battery can 21). The power generation element body 40 is inserted into the battery can 21 from the opening of the battery can 21. The electrolytic solution is injected into the battery case 20 (battery can 21) through a liquid injection hole 22 a provided in the battery lid 22. The liquid injection hole 22a is a through-hole penetrating the battery lid 22 from the outer surface to the inner surface, and after the electrolyte is injected into the battery case 20, it is hermetically and liquid-tightly sealed by laser beam welding. .

As an electrolytic solution, for example, 1 mol / L of lithium hexafluorophosphate (LiPF ₆ ) is mixed in a 1: 1: 1 volume ratio of ethylene carbonate (EC), dimethyl carbonate (DMC), and diethyl carbonate (DEC). A non-aqueous organic solvent dissolved so as to be obtained is used.

As the electrolyte, LiClO ₄ , LiAsF ₆ , LiBF ₄ , LiB (C ₆ H ₅ ) ₄ , CH ₃ SO ₃ Li, CF ₃ SOLi, or a mixture thereof may be used. Examples of the solvent for the non-aqueous electrolyte include propylene carbonate, ethylene carbonate, dimethyl carbonate, 1,2-dimethoxyethane, 1,2-diethoxyethane, γ-butyllactone, tetrahydrofuran, 1,3-dioxolane, 4- At least one mixed solvent such as methyl-1,3-dioxolane, diethyl ether, sulfolane, methyl sulfolane, acetonitrile, propionitrile, propionitrile may be used.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the power generating element body 40 includes an electrode winding body 41 in which a sheet-like laminate in which a separator 44, a negative electrode plate 43, a separator 44, and a positive electrode plate 42 are laminated in that order is wound into a flat shape. Has been.

  In the present embodiment, a wound type is described as an example of the electrode winding body 41, but each of the positive electrode plate 42, the negative electrode plate 43, and the separator 44 is processed into a rectangular sheet, A stacked electrode body may be employed in which a number of layers are stacked in the same order as described above.

  In the present embodiment, for convenience of explanation, the winding direction of the electrode winding body 41 is the electrode winding direction, and the direction perpendicular to the electrode winding direction on the flat winding surface of the electrode winding body 41 is the electrode width direction. The direction perpendicular to the flat winding surface of the electrode winding body 41 is defined as the electrode flat direction, and will be used in the following description.

  Furthermore, in this embodiment, for convenience of explanation, the same direction as the electrode winding direction of the electrode plate is the electrode plate winding direction, the same direction as the electrode width direction of the electrode plate is the electrode plate width direction, and the electrode flat direction of the electrode plate is The same direction is defined as the direction perpendicular to the electrode plate, and will be used in the following description.

The positive electrode plate 42 is configured by applying a positive electrode active material mixture on the positive electrode current collector foil so that an uncoated portion 45 where the positive electrode active material mixture is not applied is provided at one end in the electrode plate width direction. Yes. The positive electrode current collector foil is, for example, a strip-shaped aluminum foil (aluminum plate) having a thickness of 20 μm. The positive electrode active material mixture is 10 parts by weight of flaky graphite as a conductive material and 10 parts by weight as a binder with respect to 100 parts by weight of lithium manganate (chemical formula LiMnO ₂ ) as a positive electrode active material. Polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) is added, and N-methylpyrrolidone (NMP) is added and kneaded as a dispersion solvent, and is applied to both sides of an aluminum foil (aluminum plate) substantially uniformly and substantially uniformly. Yes.

  The negative electrode plate 43 is configured by applying a negative electrode active material mixture on the negative electrode current collector foil so that an uncoated part 46 to which the negative electrode active material mixture is not applied is provided at the other end in the electrode plate width direction. ing. The negative electrode current collector foil is, for example, a strip-shaped copper foil (copper plate) having a thickness of 10 μm. In the negative electrode active material mixture, 10 parts by weight of polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) as a binder is added to 100 parts by weight of amorphous carbon powder as a negative electrode active material, and N as a dispersion solvent is added thereto. -Methyl bilolidon (NMP) is added and kneaded, and is applied substantially uniformly and substantially uniformly on both surfaces of the copper foil (copper plate).

The positive electrode active material is a material capable of inserting / extracting lithium ions, such as a lithium transition metal composite oxide in which a sufficient amount of lithium ions has been inserted in advance, lithium in the crystal of the lithium transition metal composite oxide, A material obtained by substituting or doping a part of the transition metal with an element other than those may be used. For example, another lithium manganate having a spinel crystal structure (for example, Li ₁ + xMn ₂ -xO ₄ ), or a lithium manganese composite oxide in which a part of lithium manganate is substituted or doped with a metal element (for example, Li ₁ + xMyMn ₂ − x-yO ₄ , M is at least one of Co, Ni, Fe, Cu, Al, Cr, Mg, Zn, V, Ga, B, and F), lithium cobaltate and lithium titanate having a layered crystal structure, There are lithium-metal composite oxides in which some of these are substituted or doped with metal elements. In addition, the crystal structure may have any of spinel, layered, and olivine crystal structures.

  Further, as the negative electrode active material, natural graphite capable of removing and inserting lithium ions, various artificial graphite materials, carbonaceous materials such as coke, and the like may be used. Further, as the particle shape, a scale shape, a spherical shape, a fiber shape, a lump, or the like may be used.

  Furthermore, as a binding material (binder), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), polyethylene, polystyrene, polybutadiene, butyl rubber, nitrile rubber, styrene / butadiene rubber, polysulfide rubber, nitrocellulose, cyanoethyl cellulose, various latexes, acrylonitrile, Polymers such as vinyl fluoride, vinylidene fluoride, propylene fluoride, chloroprene fluoride, and acrylic resins, and mixtures thereof may be used.

  The separator 44 is a microporous member for preventing the positive electrode plate 42 and the negative electrode plate 43 from coming into direct contact, that is, electrically insulating between the positive electrode plate 42 and the negative electrode plate 43. It is a strip-shaped member made of polyethylene that has been stretched to a thickness of 30 μm by a uniaxial stretching machine. The electrode plate width direction dimension of the separator 44 is formed to be smaller than the electrode plate width direction dimension of the positive electrode plate 42 and the negative electrode plate 43.

  In the electrode winding body 41, the uncoated portion 45 of the positive electrode plate 42 and the uncoated portion 46 of the negative electrode plate 43 are located on the opposite sides. That is, the positive electrode plate 42 is arranged so that the uncoated portion 45 of the positive electrode plate 42 is disposed on one side of the electrode winding body 41 in the electrode width direction and the uncoated portion 46 of the negative electrode plate 43 is disposed on the other side. The negative electrode plate 43 and the negative electrode plate 43 are stacked while being shifted in opposite directions in the electrode width direction of the electrode winding body 41. According to such a configuration, the main part of the electrode winding body 41 (the laminated portion of the active material mixture coating portion of the positive electrode plate 42 and the negative electrode plate 43 and the separator 44) is not yet used as a current collector foil to be described later. The electrode winding body 41 can be formed so that the coating parts 45 and 46 protrude (expose).

  In the separator 44, the extending direction of the material is the winding direction of the electrode winding body 41.

  In winding the laminated body including the positive electrode plate 42 and the negative electrode plate 43, only the separator 44 is provided for about two to three turns at the beginning and end of the lamination including the positive electrode plate 42 and the negative electrode plate 43. I'm wounded. Further, when winding the positive electrode plate 42 and the negative electrode plate 43, the length of the negative electrode plate 43 is made longer than the length of the positive electrode plate 42, and the positive electrode plate 42 is formed at the innermost and outermost periphery of the electrode winding body 41. Does not protrude from the negative electrode plate 43 in the winding direction.

  In the electrode winding body 41 formed in this way, the center portion in the electrode winding direction of the uncoated portions 45 and 46 is the center of the electrode winding from the both sides of the electrode flat direction (the outer diameter side of the electrode winding body) It is pressed into a flat shape toward the inner diameter side of the electrode winding body. Thereby, the power generation element body 40 is manufactured.

  A rectangular flat portion formed at the center of the electrode winding direction at the one end portion in the electrode width direction of the electrode winding body 41 (the electrode winding direction is the longitudinal direction and the electrode winding width direction is the short direction) The flat portion formed so as to become an electrode, and the electrode in the flat portion gradually inclines toward the inner diameter side of the electrode winding body 41 from one side of the electrode winding direction (one side of the folded portion) toward the other side. The first inclined portion reaching one end portion in the winding direction, and gradually inclines toward the inner diameter side of the electrode winding body 41 from the other side in the electrode winding direction (the other side of the folded portion) toward the other side. The second inclined portion that reaches the other end portion in the electrode winding direction of the electrode, and the one end portion in the electrode width direction of the flat portion from the one end portion in the electrode width direction in the portion where the active material of the electrode winding body 41 is coated The electrode width of the flat part gradually inclines toward the inner diameter side of the electrode winding body 41 as it goes to Recess and a third inclined portion is formed on the electrode flat opposite sides leading to the other end. As a result, a positive electrode current collector is formed at one end of the electrode winding body 41 in the electrode width direction.

  At the other end of the electrode winding body 41 in the electrode width direction, a flat portion formed in the same manner as the positive current collector, a first inclined portion formed in the same manner as the positive current collector, and the same as the positive current collector The second inclined portion formed on the electrode winding body 41 is gradually moved from the other end portion in the electrode width direction to the one end portion in the electrode width direction of the flat portion in the portion where the active material of the electrode winding body 41 is applied. Recesses that are inclined to the inner diameter side of the rotating body 41 and are formed of fourth inclined portions that reach one end portion in the electrode width direction of the flat portion are formed on both sides of the electrode flat direction. Thereby, a negative electrode current collector is formed at the other end of the electrode winding body 41 in the electrode width direction. The positive electrode current collector and the negative electrode current collector have a symmetrical relationship, and both have the same configuration.

  In the power generation element body 40 manufactured as described above, the battery lid 22, the positive electrode external terminal 30 and the negative electrode external terminal 31, the positive electrode seal material 32 and the negative electrode seal material 33, the positive electrode connection plate 34, and the negative electrode connection plate are mechanical in advance. The battery lid assembly assembled so as to be integrated with the power generating element body 40 has one side of the fold-back portion formed across the electrode width direction of the power generating element body 40 at both ends of the power generating element body 40 in the electrode winding direction. The battery 22 is assembled so as to face the inner surface of the battery cover 22 along the longitudinal direction of the cover 22. Thereafter, the positive electrode connection plate 34 is joined to the positive electrode current collector and the negative electrode connection plate is joined to the negative electrode current collector by ultrasonic welding. Thereby, the positive electrode plate 42 and the positive electrode external terminal 30 of the power generation element body 40 are electrically connected to the negative electrode plate 43 and the negative electrode external terminal 31 of the power generation element body 40, respectively.

  The positive electrode connection plate 34 and the negative electrode connection plate are different in material, but have the same components and shape. Therefore, hereinafter, the configuration of the positive electrode connection plate 34 will be described as a representative.

  The positive electrode connection plate 34 is a molded body in which three elements of the terminal connection portion 34a, the side surface portion 34b, and the connection piece portion 34c are integrally molded, and is a molded product in which a flat plate is molded into a predetermined shape. Thus, the strength and rigidity of the positive electrode connection plate 34 can be increased by using a molded body in which a plurality of elements are integrally formed as a connection plate.

  The terminal connecting portion 34 a is a rectangular metal piece (flat plate) mechanically connected to the positive external terminal 31. The terminal connection portion 34 a has a flat surface facing the inner surface of the battery lid 22 and one side of the fold-back portion of the power generation element body 40, and the inner surface of the battery lid 22 and the fold-back portion of the power generation element body 40. Along the one side, the longitudinal direction extends in the same direction as the longitudinal direction of the battery lid 22 and the electrode width direction of the power generation element body 40, and the longitudinal direction further extends in the longitudinal direction of the battery lid 22 and the electrode width direction of the power generation element body 40. They are arranged in the same direction and are attached to the battery lid 22 via the positive electrode sealing material 32.

  The side surface portion 34b is a rectangular metal piece (flat plate) formed continuously from one end in the longitudinal direction of the terminal connection portion 34a (the side opposite to the negative electrode external terminal 31 side). The side surface portion 34b is bent at a substantially right angle while taking a predetermined curvature from one end portion in the longitudinal direction of the terminal connection portion 34a toward the bottom surface side of the battery can 21. The inner surface of the second side surface of the battery can 21 and the end portion on the positive electrode side of the power generation element body 40 so as to face the inner surface of the two side surfaces and the end portion of the power generation element body 40 in the electrode width direction, The battery can 21 is arranged so that it extends to the bottom side of the battery can 21, and the longitudinal direction is the same as the longitudinal direction of the second side surface of the battery can 21 and the electrode winding direction of the power generation element body 40. The end portion of the side surface portion 34b opposite to the terminal connection portion 34a side corresponds to an end portion on the other side in the longitudinal direction of the positive electrode current collector portion of the power generation element body 40 (the other side of the fold-back portion of the power generation element body 40). Extends to position.

  The connection piece 34c is a rectangular metal piece (flat plate) formed continuously from the edge of one side end portion in the short direction of the side surface portion 34b. The connection piece 34c has one side end in the short side direction of the side surface portion 34b and one side in the longitudinal direction of the positive electrode current collector of the power generation element body 40 from the end portion on the side surface portion 34b opposite to the terminal connection portion 34a side (power generation The element body 40 is bent at a substantially right angle while taking a predetermined curvature from the edge of the part that reaches the position corresponding to the end of the folded back part of the element body 40 toward the power generation element body 40 side, and the plane is Further, the longitudinal direction of the second side surface of the battery can 21 and the electrode rod of the power generation element body 40 are further extended so as to face the positive electrode current collector of the power generation element body 40 and extend toward the power generation element body 40. They are arranged in the same direction as the turning direction. A welded portion 34d for ultrasonically welding the connection piece 34c to the positive electrode current collector is formed at two locations on both ends in the longitudinal direction of the connection piece 34c. The welded part 34d is a thin part in which the plane of the connecting piece 34c is recessed and the thickness is made thinner than other parts.

  After the positive electrode connection plate 34 and the negative electrode connection plate are joined to the power generation element body 40 by ultrasonic welding, the assembly of the power generation element body 40 and the battery lid assembly is mechanically connected to the power generation element body 40 by the battery lid 22. In the supported state, the other side of the fold-back portion of the power generating element body 40 becomes the insertion side, and is inserted into the battery can 21 from the opening of the battery can 21. Thereby, the power generation element body 40 is accommodated in the battery can 21 and is in a state of being hung from the battery lid 22. At this time, the extending direction of the material of the separator 44 is the same as the short direction of the main surface of the battery can 21.

  After the battery lid 22 is joined to the battery can 21, an electrolytic solution is injected into the battery case 20 from a liquid injection hole 22 a provided closer to the positive electrode external terminal 30 than the longitudinal center of the battery lid 22. After injecting the electrolytic solution, the injection hole 22a is hermetically and liquid-tightly sealed by laser beam welding.

  A gas discharge valve is provided inside the battery cell 111. The gas discharge valve operates at a predetermined internal pressure when an abnormality occurs in the battery cell 111 and the internal pressure increases due to the evaporation of the electrolyte, and releases the mist gas to the outside of the battery cell 111. 111 is a safety valve for protecting 111. A gas discharge pipe 60 is provided at the center of the battery lid 22 in the longitudinal direction to guide the gas generated inside the battery case 20 from the inside to the outside when the gas discharge valve is opened.

《Sub-square battery module configuration》
Next, the sub-square battery module 150 will be described with reference to FIGS.

  In FIG. 2, the positive electrode external terminal 30, the negative electrode external terminal 31, the gas discharge pipe 60, and the liquid injection hole 22 a are omitted for simplification of illustration.

  The sub-square battery module 150 is an assembly including six battery cells 111, a pair of end plates 151, five cell holders 152, and two pairs of connection plates 153 as main components. The battery cells 111 and the cell holders 152 are alternately arranged and arranged in one row. End plates 151 are arranged on both outer sides in the arrangement direction of the array of battery cells 111 and cell holders 152. Thereby, the array body of the battery cell 111 and the cell holder 152 is sandwiched between the end plates 151 from both outer sides in the array direction. The pair of end plates 151 are fixed by two pairs of connection plates 153. Thereby, the array body of the battery cell 111, the cell holder 152, and the end plate 151 is secured from both outer sides in the array direction.

  The six battery cells 111 have a battery lid 22 provided with a positive electrode external terminal 30, a negative electrode external terminal 31, a gas discharge pipe 60, and a liquid injection hole 22a (these are not shown in FIG. 2) as an upper surface. The battery can 21 is placed vertically so that the bottom surface of the battery can 21 facing the lid 22 is a mounting surface, and the main surface of the battery can 21 is arranged so as to face the arrangement direction of the battery cell 111 and the cell holder 152. Furthermore, the battery cells 111 and the cell holders 152 are arranged at regular intervals via the cell holders 152 in the arrangement direction of the array of battery cells 111 and cell holders 152. The six battery cells 111 are arranged in order from the battery cell 111 arranged at one end in the arrangement direction of the array of the battery cells 111 and the cell holder 152 toward the battery cell 111 arranged at the other end. Are electrically connected in series. The battery cells 111 adjacent to each other in the arrangement direction of the battery cell 111 and the array of cell holders 152 rotate around the central axis extending in the facing direction between the battery lid 22 of the battery cell 111 and the bottom surface of the battery can 21 via the cell holder 152. They are arranged so as to have a rotationally symmetrical relationship rotated 180 degrees as an axis. Thereby, between the battery cells 111 adjacent to each other in the arrangement direction of the battery cell 111 and the array of cell holders 152 via the cell holder 152, the positive electrode external terminal 30 and the negative electrode external terminal 31 of the one battery cell 111, and the other The arrangement positions of the positive electrode external terminal 30 and the negative electrode external terminal 31 of the battery cell 111 are different. At this time, one positive external terminal 30 (or negative external terminal 31) and the other negative external terminal 31 (or the other negative external terminal 31) of the battery cell 111 adjacent to each other in the arrangement direction of the battery cell 111 and the array of cell holders 152 via the cell holder 152. And the positive electrode external terminal 30) are arranged to face each other in the arrangement direction of the array of battery cells 111 and cell holders 152. Accordingly, when the battery cells 111 and the battery cells 111 adjacent to each other in the arrangement direction of the array of cell holders 152 are electrically connected to each other via the cell holder 152, a flat conductive member (not shown) called a bus bar can be used. The connection can be made easily. In addition, the length of the conductive member can be minimized, and the material cost of the sub-square battery module 150 can be kept low.

  When the array of the battery cells 111, the cell holder 152, and the end plate 151 is secured by the force applied from both ends in the array direction, the cell holder 152 applies the force to the array surface (the battery case 20) of each battery cell 111. The battery cell 111 is held and fixed, and the expansion of the battery cell 111 in the arrangement direction is suppressed, and further, the battery cell 111, the cell holder 152, and the end plate 151 are arranged. The flow path through which the cooling medium flows is formed between the battery cells 111 adjacent to each other in the arrangement direction.

  The material of the cell holder 152 is a fiber reinforced plastic (FRP), that is, a resin such as unsaturated polyester, epoxy resin, polyamide resin, phenol resin, etc. mixed with a fiber such as glass fiber as a reinforcing material. Used composite material. The cell holder 152 is a molded body manufactured by pouring the composite material into a mold and curing it.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the cell holder 152 includes a flat portion 152 a and a protrusion (ridge) 152 b. The flat portion 152a is a face part that faces the main surface of the battery can 21 of the battery cell 111 (a flat surface or an array surface through which the cooling medium flows), and has the same size and the same as the main surface of the battery can 21 of the battery cell 111. A flat surface having a shape (rectangular shape) is provided. The protrusions 152b are portions that extend linearly from one end to the other end in the short direction of the flat portion 152a, and are three places on the front and back surfaces of the flat portion 152a, that is, the central portion in the longitudinal direction of the flat portion 152a, the plane The battery cell 111 has a total of three locations, one from the one end in the longitudinal direction of the portion 152a to the central portion and one from the other end in the longitudinal direction of the flat portion 152a to the central portion. It is formed so as to protrude vertically.

  In the present embodiment, the case where the number of the protrusions 152b per surface of the flat portion 152a is three will be described as an example, but there may be more.

  The protrusion heights of the three protrusions 152b are the same and are about several millimeters high. The interval between the protrusions 152b in the longitudinal direction of the plane part 152a is constant. The protrusion 152b at the center portion in the longitudinal direction of the flat portion 152a presses the center portion in the longitudinal direction of the main surface of the battery can 21 of the battery cell 111 from the opposite direction, and the center in the longitudinal direction of the main surface of the battery can 21 in the battery cell 111. It also functions as a suppression mechanism that suppresses the swelling generated in the part. Thus, in this embodiment, since the expansion of the battery cell 111 can be suppressed, the influence of the expansion of the battery cell 111 on the performance of the battery cell 111 can be reduced.

  Between the cell holder 152 and the battery cell 111, a plurality of cooling channels 152c are formed for circulating a cooling medium for cooling the battery cell 111, for example, cooling air. The cooling channel 152c extends linearly from one side end portion side (bottom surface side of the battery can 21) of the main surface of the battery can 21 of the battery cell 111 to the other side end portion (battery lid 22 side). Then, the cooling medium (for example, cooling air blown by a fan) is supplied from the one side end portion side to the other end portion side of the main surface of the battery can 21 of the battery cell 111 in the main surface of the battery can 21. The flat surface portion 152a and the projecting portion 152b of the cell holder 152 and the battery can of the battery cell 1 are divided into four in the longitudinal direction of the main surface of the battery can 21 of the battery cell 111 so that the surface of the battery can be circulated. It is formed by being surrounded by 21 main surfaces.

  Thus, in the present embodiment, the cooling medium is circulated in the short direction of the main surface of the battery can 21. That is, the flow direction of the cooling medium and the extending direction of the material of the separator 44 are the same direction. Thereby, in this embodiment, the battery cell 111 can be cooled along the temperature unevenness (temperature difference) which arises toward the extending | stretching direction of the raw material of the separator 44 from the center part of the main surface of the battery can 21. FIG. The temperature distribution on the main surface of the battery can 21 is such that the temperature unevenness (temperature difference) that occurs in the extending direction of the material of the separator 44 occurs in the direction orthogonal to the extending direction of the material of the separator 44 (temperature difference). Bigger than). For this reason, in the present embodiment, the temperature of the battery cell 111 can be reduced, and temperature unevenness (temperature) generated from the central portion of the main surface of the battery can 21 toward the direction orthogonal to the extending direction of the material of the separator 44. The temperature unevenness (temperature difference) can be made smaller than when the battery cell 111 is cooled along the difference. Therefore, in the present embodiment, it is possible to provide the battery device 100 that can improve the cooling performance of the battery cell 111 and can improve the performance and life of the battery cell 111.

  Further, in this embodiment, since the flow direction of the cooling medium and the stretching direction of the material of the separator 44 are the same direction, the heat shrinkage in the direction orthogonal to the stretching direction of the material of the separator 44 can be made substantially constant. it can. The stretching direction of the material of the separator 44 is greater in strength than the direction orthogonal to the stretching direction of the material of the separator 44 and is not easily affected by heat shrinkage. Therefore, in this embodiment, the thermal strain with respect to the separator 44 is reduced, and the proof stress of the separator 44 against the thermal strain can be improved.

  In the present embodiment, the case where air is used as the cooling medium has been described as an example, but a liquid such as an inert gas or an antifreeze may be used as the cooling medium. In the case of liquid, the medium is not directly applied to the surface of the battery can 21, but the battery cell 111 is indirectly cooled by applying a highly heat-conductive channel structure through which the medium flows to the surface of the battery can 21. . Also in this case, the flowing direction of the medium is set to the short direction of the main surface of the battery can 21, that is, the same direction as the extending direction of the material of the separator 44.

  In the present embodiment, the flow direction of the cooling medium is the direction from the bottom surface of the battery can 21 toward the battery cover 22, but the opposite direction may be used.

  Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the case where the cooling medium is circulated in the short direction of the main surface of the battery can 21 has been described as an example, but the cooling medium is circulated in the longitudinal direction of the main surface of the battery can 21. Also good.

  The end plate 151 is formed by pouring the same composite material as the cell holder 152 into a mold and curing it, or by melting a metal, for example, light heat-dissipating and light aluminum or an alloy containing the same as a main component into a mold. It is a die casting body (molded body manufactured by aluminum die casting or aluminum die casting) manufactured by press-fitting, and has a flat outer dimension that is larger than the main surface of the battery can 21 of the battery cell 111 and the flat portion 152a of the cell holder 152. This is a rectangular parallelepiped (a rectangular parallelepiped whose height dimension is smaller than the vertical and horizontal dimensions). The end plate 151 has two main surfaces (front and back surfaces) with the largest area facing both ends of the array of battery cells 111 and cell holders 152 in the array direction so that the array of battery cells 111 and cell holders 152 is aligned. Is arranged.

  The main surface of the end plate 151 on the battery cell 111 side has a planar shape that faces the main surface of the battery can 21 and makes surface contact. As shown in FIG. 4, the central portion of the main surface of the end plate 151 opposite to the battery cell 111 side is cut out in a rectangular shape, and from the opposite side to the battery cell 111 side to the battery cell 111 side. A recessed portion 151a that is recessed toward the surface is formed. The outer dimension of the recess 151 a is substantially the same as the outer dimension of the main surface of the battery can 21 of the battery cell 111.

  A strain gauge (sensor) 160 is attached to the center of the recess 151a of the end plate 151 with an adhesive member (for example, an adhesive or an adhesive tape). The strain gauge (sensor) 160 measures the strain (deformation) generated in the end plate 151 due to the stress due to the shape change (swelling) accompanying the increase in the internal pressure of the battery cell 111, and from this measurement result, the shape change (internal pressure) of the battery cell 111. This is provided to detect whether or not the battery cell 111 is abnormal. For this reason, the wiring (signal line) extending from the strain gauge 160 extends to the battery control device 130 and is connected to the battery control device 130. As a result, the signal output from the strain gauge 160 is input to the MCU of the battery control device 130.

  The thickness of the bottom portion of the concave portion 151a of the end plate 151 is thinner than the thickness of the peripheral portion in the opposing direction of the main surface of the end plate 151 (the thickness of the bottom portion of the concave portion 151a <the thickness of the peripheral portion). . For this reason, the hardness of the bottom part of the recessed part 151a of the end plate 151 is softer than a peripheral part. Thereby, the distortion which arises in the end plate 151 by the stress by the shape change (swelling) accompanying the internal pressure increase of the battery cell 111 comes to be amplified in the bottom part of the recessed part 151a of the end plate 151. Therefore, in order to measure the strain generated in the end plate 151 due to the stress due to the shape change (swelling) accompanying the increase in the internal pressure of the battery cell 111 with the strain gauge 160 with high sensitivity, the strain gauge 160 is placed on the bottom of the recess 151 a of the end plate 151. It is preferable to attach. Of the bottom of the recess 151 a of the end plate 151, the strain that can be measured with the strain gauge 160 with the highest sensitivity can be measured at the center. For this reason, in this embodiment, the strain gauge 160 is attached to the center of the bottom of the recess 151a of the end plate 151 to improve the strain measurement sensitivity by the strain cage 160, and the shape accompanying the increase in the internal pressure of the battery cell 111. A change (bulge) can be accurately detected.

  Here, the amplification effect of the distortion due to the thinning of the member was verified by numerical calculation. In the verification, a plurality of discs having different thicknesses were used as members that cause distortion. And the periphery of each disk was fixed and the load was equally distributed in the concentric circle. As a result, it was found that the distortion generated in the disk increases in inverse proportion to the square of the thickness. For example, when the thickness of the member is reduced from 10 mm to 2 mm, the strain generated in the member having a thickness of 2 mm is 25 times the value generated in the member having a thickness of 10 mm. This is considered to be due to the fact that the member was softened due to the thinning, and the amplification factor of the strain by the member was increased. Also in the present embodiment, the strain generated in the end plate 151 is greatly amplified by the bottom portion (thin wall portion) of the recess 151a, the strain measurement sensitivity by the strain gauge 160 is greatly improved, and even a small internal pressure change inside the battery cell 111 is detected. I was able to do that.

  The connection plate 153 is a long, thin plate-shaped beam made of metal, and the battery lid 22 and the battery can 21 of the battery cell 111 among the four surfaces orthogonal to the arrangement direction of the battery cell 111, the cell holder 152, and the end plate 151. Two battery cells each on the two surfaces (two surfaces facing the longitudinal direction of the main surface of the battery can 21, the planar portion 152a of the cell holder 152 and the main surface of the end plate 151) different from the two surfaces facing the bottom surface of the battery cell 111, the cell holder 152 and the end plate 151 are arranged in the arrangement direction of the array body and extend so as to be parallel to each other, and the battery cell 111, the cell holder 152 and the end plate 151 are compressed in a compressed state. The end plate 151 is connected to the side surfaces at both ends in the longitudinal direction of the main surface by welding or fastening members such as bolts. Thereby, the battery cell 111, the cell holder 152, and the array of end plates 151 are held in a state where the battery cells 111 and the cell holders 152 are always compressed by the fastening force between the end plates 151 and the connection plate 153 ( Lashed).

  In the above-described secured state, the internal pressure of the battery cell 111 increases, and when the main surface of the battery can 21 changes shape due to the pressure, that is, the pressure to change the main surface of the battery can 21 changes. (Expansion force) becomes stress, and other parts of the battery cell 111 where the internal pressure is increased, the other battery cell 111, the cell holder 152, the end plate 151, and the connection plate 153 are directly or via other components. Works. This causes distortion in each of those components. Therefore, among these components, the strain gauge 160 is attached to a component that does not affect the design or assembly of the sub-square battery module 150, and the strain generated in the component is measured. An increase in internal pressure (bulge that is a shape change) can be detected. As described above, in this embodiment, the strain gauge 160 is attached to the bottom (thin wall) of the recess 151a of the end plate 151. Attachment of the strain gauge 160 to the bottom (thin wall portion) of the recess 151a of the end plate 151 does not affect the design and assembly of the sub-square battery module 150, and improves the strain measurement sensitivity by the strain gauge 160. Can be made.

<Battery cell abnormality detection method>
Next, an abnormality detection method for the battery cell 111 by the MCU of the battery control device 130 based on the measurement signal output from the strain gauge 160 will be described.

  The MCU of the battery control device 130 is provided with an abnormality detection unit for determining whether or not the battery cell 111 is abnormal based on the measurement signal output from the strain gauge 160. The battery cell 111 expands due to an increase in internal pressure during charge / discharge, and also expands due to an increase in internal pressure during abnormalities such as internal short-circuiting, external short-circuiting, and overcharging between electrodes. However, the time change rate of the characteristic indicating the relationship between the state of charge (SOC) of the battery cell 111 and the internal pressure (expansion force) is different between the charge and discharge times and the time change rate at the time of abnormality. Faster than the rate of change over time during discharge. Further, the distortion generated in the components of the sub-square battery module 150 due to the internal pressure (expansion force) of the battery cell 111 is proportional to the internal pressure (expansion force) of the battery cell 111. Therefore, the time change rate of the strain obtained based on the measurement signal output from the strain gauge 160 is obtained, and the obtained time change rate and a threshold value for the time change rate of the strain set in advance based on the test result ( And a determination value for determining whether the battery cell 111 is abnormal or normal), and from this comparison result, it is determined whether or not the time rate of change of the obtained strain is larger than a threshold value. Abnormalities of the six battery cells 111 constituting the battery module 150 can be detected.

  The threshold value for the strain change rate with time is obtained in advance by manufacturing a sample of the sub-square battery module 150 having the same configuration as that shown in FIG. Specifically, the internal pressure of one of the six battery cells 111 constituting the sample sub-square battery module 150 is intentionally increased, for example, at about 0.1 MPa / min. The strain time change rate measured by the strain gauge 160 attached to the bottom (thin wall portion) of the concave portion 151a of the end plate 111, for example, the strain change rate when changed for 1 second is obtained, and this is the strain time change rate. Threshold. The threshold value for the rate of change in distortion time is written and stored in the memory of the MCU of the battery control device 130 at the stage of manufacturing the battery device 100.

  As a method of detecting an abnormality of the battery cell 111 due to distortion, first, at the time of charging / discharging (load operation) of the battery device 100, the bottom of the recess 151a of the end plate 151 of the sub-square battery module 150 constituting the battery module 110 ( The strain is periodically detected from the output signal of the strain sensor 160 attached to the thin wall portion. Next, from the strain information periodically obtained from the output signal of the strain sensor 160, the strain change rate with time (for example, the strain change rate when changed for 1 second) is obtained. Next, the time change rate of the distortion obtained in the previous step is compared with the threshold value of the time change rate stored in advance as a threshold value (the obtained time change rate of the strain−the threshold value or the threshold value−the obtained distortion time time). Change rate), and it is determined whether or not the obtained time change rate of the strain is larger than the threshold value (the obtained strain time change rate−threshold value> 0 or the threshold value−the obtained strain time change rate <0). To do. If the result of this determination is affirmative, an abnormality process is executed assuming that one of the six battery cells 111 constituting the sub-square battery module 150 is abnormal. On the other hand, in the case of negative, the process returns to the first step and the above-described series of processing is repeatedly executed.

  As the abnormality processing, the battery control device 130, the vehicle control device 8, or the motor control device 340 is turned on among the first and second positive side relays 410 and 430 and the first and second negative side relays 420 and 440. The relay release command signal is output to the relay being opened, and the relay that has been turned on is released. As a result, the electrical connection between the battery module 110 and the power module 310 of the inverter device 300 or between the booster circuit 520 of the charger 500 is cut off and input to the battery module 110 or output from the battery module 110. Current is cut off. As a result, the operation of the battery device 100 can be safely stopped in a state where an increase in the internal pressure of the battery cell 111 in which an abnormality has occurred is suppressed. Thus, in this embodiment, since the distortion which arises by the expansion force of the battery cell 111 can be detected and abnormality of the battery cell 111 can be detected, the reliability of the battery apparatus 100 can be improved.

[Embodiment 2]
A second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 7 shows the overall configuration of the end plate 151 that is one component of the sub-square battery module 150.

  In the first embodiment, the concave portion 151 a is provided only in the central portion of the end plate 151. On the other hand, in this embodiment, the ten recessed (dent) part 151b is provided also in the peripheral part.

  The ten concave portions 151b have the same rectangular shape as the concave portion 151a, but there are three types of external dimensions. Ten recesses 151b having three types of external dimensions are symmetrical with respect to the longitudinal and transverse axes perpendicular to the center axis passing through the center of the end plate 151 (the bottom of the recess 151a), or It is arranged to be a rotation target when rotated 180 degrees with the central axis as a rotation axis. The ten recesses 151b are recessed from the side opposite to the battery cell 111 side toward the battery cell 111 side so that the depth is the same as that of the recess 151a.

  In addition, according to this embodiment, although the shape of the ten recessed parts 151b was made into the rectangular shape, you may employ | adopt another shape. Also, the number of recesses 151b may be different. Furthermore, according to the present embodiment, the depth of the recess 151b is the same as that of the recess 151a, but may be a different depth.

  The other configuration is the same as that of the first embodiment. Components similar to those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals as those in the first embodiment, and description thereof is omitted.

  According to the present embodiment described above, as in the first embodiment, the strain gauge 160 attached to the bottom of the recess 151a of the end plate 151 measures with high sensitivity the strain caused by the bulge that is the shape change of the battery cell 111. And since abnormality of the battery cell 111 can be detected based on this measurement result, there can exist an effect similar to 1st Embodiment.

  Moreover, according to the present embodiment described above, the attachment of the strain gauge 160 does not affect the design and assembly of the sub-square battery module 150.

  Further, according to the present embodiment described above, since the recess 151b is formed in the peripheral edge portion of the end plate 151, the end plate 151 can be reduced in weight and the cost can be reduced by reducing the amount of material used. Furthermore, according to this embodiment described above, a plurality of recesses 151b are formed, a partition wall between adjacent recesses 151b, a partition wall between the recesses 151b and 151a (the outer wall of the recess 151a), and an end plate Since the lattice of the outermost wall 151 is formed, the strength of the end plate 151 can be ensured.

[Embodiment 3]
A third embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 8 shows the overall configuration of the end plate 151 which is one component of the sub-square battery module 150.

  In the first embodiment, the main surface of the end plate 151 on the battery cell 111 side is a flat surface. On the other hand, in the present embodiment, three protrusions (ridges) 151c having the same shape, dimensions, and arrangement as the protrusions (protrusions) 152b of the cell holder 152 are used as the main cells on the battery cell 111 side of the end plate 151. It is integrally formed on the surface. Accordingly, the cell holder 152 and the battery cell 111 are placed between the end plate 151 and the battery cell 111 (battery cells 111 at both ends in the arrangement direction of the array of the battery cell 111 and the cell holder 152) that are in surface contact with the end plate 151. Thus, a cooling channel having the same shape, size, and arrangement as the cooling channel 152c is formed.

  In the present embodiment, the depth of the recess 151a of the end plate 151 is deeper than that of the first embodiment, that is, the thickness of the bottom of the recess 151a of the end plate 151 is made thinner than that of the first embodiment. This is because the protrusion (protrusion) 151c provided on the end plate 151 increases the hardness of the bottom of the concave portion 151a of the end plate 151, and the amount of distortion (deformation) caused by the bulge that is the shape change of the battery cell 111 decreases ( This is because the strain is attenuated) and the sensitivity of strain measurement by the strain gauge 160 is reduced. Therefore, in this embodiment, the depth of the recess 151a of the end plate 151 is made deeper than that of the first embodiment, and the hardness of the bottom of the recess 151a of the end plate 151 is made softer than that of the first embodiment. The amplification factor of the distortion caused by the bulge that is the shape change of 111 is made to be equivalent to that of the first embodiment.

  The other configuration is the same as that of the first embodiment. Components similar to those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals as those in the first embodiment, and description thereof is omitted.

  According to the present embodiment described above, as in the first embodiment, the strain gauge 160 attached to the bottom of the recess 151a of the end plate 151 measures with high sensitivity the strain caused by the bulge that is the shape change of the battery cell 111. And since abnormality of the battery cell 111 can be detected based on this measurement result, there can exist an effect similar to 1st Embodiment.

  Moreover, according to the present embodiment described above, the attachment of the strain gauge 160 does not affect the design and assembly of the sub-square battery module 150.

  In addition, according to the present embodiment described above, between the end plate 151 and the battery cell 111 (battery cells 111 at both ends in the arrangement direction of the array of the battery cell 111 and the cell holder 152) in surface contact with the end plate 151. Since the cooling flow path is formed, both main surfaces of the battery can 21 of the battery cell 111 (battery cells 111 at both ends in the arrangement direction of the array of the battery cell 111 and the cell holder 152) in surface contact with the end plate 151 are The sub-square battery module 150 can be cooled in the same manner as the other battery cells 111, and the temperature of the plurality of battery cells 111 constituting the sub-square battery module 150 can be controlled to be uniform. it can. Thereby, according to this embodiment demonstrated above, the performance of the battery apparatus 100 can be improved.

  Furthermore, according to the present embodiment described above, the depth of the recess 151a of the end plate 151 is made deeper than that of the first embodiment, and the hardness of the bottom of the recess 151a of the end plate 151 is softer than that of the first embodiment. In addition, since the amplification factor of the strain caused by the bulge that is the shape change of the battery cell 111 is made equal to that of the first embodiment, the strain gauge 160 measures the strain caused by the bulge that is the shape change of the battery cell 111. The sensitivity can be made equal to that of the first embodiment.

  In the above-described embodiment, the end plate 151 of the first embodiment is used as a premise, and the end plate 151 is provided with a protrusion (ridge) 151c as an example. On the premise of the end plate 151 of the form, the end plate 151 may be provided with a projecting portion (saddle portion) 151c. In this case, the same effects as those of the second embodiment can be achieved.

[Embodiment 4]
A fourth embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

  FIG. 9 shows the overall configuration of the sub-square battery module 150. FIG. 10 shows the overall configuration of the end plate 151 that is one component of the sub-square battery module 150.

  In the third embodiment, the projecting portion (ridge portion) 151c is integrally formed on the main surface (plane) of the end plate 151 on the battery cell 111 side. On the other hand, in the present embodiment, the recess 151a of the end plate 151 of the third embodiment is an end plate 154 that is cut out to the bottom to form a rectangular through hole 154a, and the battery cell 111 side of the end plate 154 The cell holder 155 from which one side protrusion (saddle) 152b of the cell holder 152 is removed is disposed, and the end plate 154 has a flat surface opposite to the protrusion (saddle) 155b side of the flat part 155a of the cell holder 155. Covering the main surface on the battery cell 111 side, the opening on the battery cell 111 side of the through hole 154a is closed. A strain gauge is provided at the center of the portion of the flat plate portion 155a of the cell holder 155 opposite to the protruding portion (protrusion portion) 155b side that closes the opening of the through hole 154a of the end plate 154 on the battery cell 111 side. 160 is attached. In this case, the strain gauge 160 measures strain (deformation) generated in the cell holder 155 due to the expansion force of the battery cell 111 transmitted to the cell holder 155 via the battery cell 111 pressed by the cell holder 155.

  The other configuration is the same as that of the third embodiment. Components similar to those in the third embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals as those in the third embodiment, and description thereof is omitted.

  According to the present embodiment described above, the strain gauge 160 attached to the plane on the side opposite to the protrusion (protrusion) 155b side of the plane portion 155a of the cell holder 155 causes the battery cell 111 to change its shape. Since the generated distortion can be measured with high sensitivity, and the abnormality of the battery cell 111 can be detected based on the measurement result, the same effects as those of the first embodiment can be achieved.

  Moreover, according to the present embodiment described above, the attachment of the strain gauge 160 does not affect the design and assembly of the sub-square battery module 150.

  In addition, according to the present embodiment described above, the cooling flow path is provided between the cell holder 155 and the battery cell 111 pressed by the cell holder 155 (battery cells 111 at both ends in the arrangement direction of the array of the battery cell 111 and the cell holder 152). Both the main surfaces of the battery can 21 of the battery cell 111 (battery cells 111 at both ends in the arrangement direction of the battery cell 111 and the cell holder 152) pressed by the cell holder 155 are formed in the same manner as the other battery cells 111. Since it can cool, the effect similar to 3rd Embodiment can be show | played.

  In the above-described embodiment, the case where the end plate 151 of the third embodiment based on the first embodiment is replaced with an end plate 154 and a cell holder 155 is described as an example. The end plate 151 of the third embodiment based on the second embodiment may be replaced with one made of the end plate 154 and the cell holder 155. In this case, the same effects as those of the second embodiment can be achieved.

[Embodiment 5]
A fifth embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 9 shows the overall configuration of the sub-square battery module 150.

  In the first embodiment, the strain gauge 160 is attached to the end plate 151. In the present embodiment, the concave portion of the end plate 151 of the first embodiment is formed by the connection plate 157 (a plate-shaped metal beam) having a larger width (length in the short direction) than the connection plate 153 of the first embodiment. The pair of end plates 156 (flat cuboid whose height is smaller than the vertical and horizontal dimensions) filled with 151a are connected, and an elliptical shape (the direction in which the major axis extends is connected) at the longitudinal center of the connection plate 157 The longitudinal direction of the plate 157 and the extending direction of the minor axis perpendicular to the major axis is an elliptical shape provided so that the short direction of the connecting plate 157 is formed, and the through hole 157a in the minor axis direction is formed. Of the solid portion of the connection plate 157 outside the through hole 157a, specifically, the portion of the solid portion of the connection plate 157 that has the shortest distance between the outer periphery of the through hole 157a and the edge of the connection plate 157 Strain gauge 160 on one side Wearing.

  The connection plate 157 is different from two surfaces facing the bottom surface of the battery lid 22 and the battery can 21 of the battery cell 111 among the four surfaces orthogonal to the arrangement direction of the array of the battery cells 111, the cell holder 152, and the end plate 156. Arrangement of battery cell 111, cell holder 152, and end plate 156, one on each of the two surfaces (the two surfaces facing the longitudinal direction of the main surface of battery can 21, planar portion 152a of cell holder 152 and the main surface of end plate 156) The battery cell 111, the cell holder 152, and the end plate 156 are arranged so as to extend in the arrangement direction of the body, and are welded to the side surfaces at both ends in the longitudinal direction of the main surfaces of the pair of end plates 156 in a compressed state. They are connected by fastening members such as bolts. As a result, the battery cell 111, the cell holder 152, and the array of the end plates 156 are held in a state where the battery cells 111 and the cell holders 152 are always compressed by the fastening force between the end plates 156 and the connection plates 157 ( Lashed).

  In the above-described secured state, the internal pressure of the battery cell 111 increases, and when the main surface of the battery can 21 changes shape due to the pressure, that is, the pressure to change the main surface of the battery can 21 changes. (Expansion force) becomes a stress and acts on the end plate 156 directly from the battery cell 111 whose internal pressure has increased or via another battery cell 111 and the cell holder 152, and thereafter, from the end plate 156 to the connection plate 157. Works. As a result, the connection plate 157 is distorted (deformed). This strain is measured by a strain gauge 160 attached in the vicinity of the through hole 157a of the connection plate 157.

  Here, the solid part of the connection plate 157 to which the strain gauge 160 is attached is the part where the distance between the outer periphery of the through hole 157a and the edge of the connection plate 157 is the shortest. For this reason, among the solid portions of the connection plate 157, at the portion where the distance between the outer periphery of the through hole 157a and the edge of the connection plate 157 is the shortest, the distortion generated in the connection plate 157 is most concentrated, and other portions Than the distortion is amplified. Therefore, the strain generated in the connection plate 157 is measured with high sensitivity by the strain gauge 160. From the above, it can be said that the through-hole 157a is a component for constituting an amplification mechanism for concentrating and amplifying the distortion generated in the connection plate 157.

  The other configuration is the same as that of the first embodiment. Components similar to those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals as those in the first embodiment, and description thereof is omitted.

  According to the present embodiment described above, the battery cell is provided by the strain gauge 160 attached to the shortest distance between the outer periphery of the through hole 157a and the edge of the connection plate 157 among the solid portions of the connection plate 157. The distortion caused by the bulging that is the shape change of 111 can be measured with high sensitivity, and the abnormality of the battery cell 111 can be detected based on the measurement result. Therefore, the same operational effects as the first embodiment can be achieved. .

  Moreover, according to the present embodiment described above, the attachment of the strain gauge 160 does not affect the design and assembly of the sub-square battery module 150.

  In the above-described embodiment, the case where the end plate 156 in which the concave portion 151a of the end plate 151 of the first embodiment is filled is described as an example, but any one of the first to third embodiments is described. The end plate 151 or a combination of the end plate 154 and the cell holder 155 of the fourth embodiment may be used. In this case, the same operational effects as any of the first to fourth embodiments can be obtained.

[Embodiment 6]
A sixth embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 12 shows the overall configuration of the sub-square battery module 150.

  In the first embodiment, the strain gauge 160 is attached to the end plate 151. In the present embodiment, the strain gauge 160 is attached to one battery cell 111 of the six battery cells 111 constituting the sub-square battery module 150. Specifically, of the four side surfaces (the remaining four surfaces excluding the two main surfaces) constituting the battery can 21 of one battery cell 111, the side surface (battery cover 22) in the longitudinal direction of the main surface of the battery can 21. And the remaining two surfaces excluding the bottom surface of the battery can 21) in the longitudinal direction (the same direction as the short direction of the main surface of the battery can 21) and the short direction (the same direction as the arrangement direction of the battery cells 111). A strain gauge 160 is attached to the center.

  When the internal pressure of the battery cell 111 increases and the main surface of the battery can 21 changes its shape due to the pressure, that is, the pressure (expansion force) to change the shape of the main surface of the battery can 21 is stress. Thus, it acts on the side surface of the battery can 21 of the battery cell 111 to which the strain gauge 160 is attached directly from the battery cell 111 whose internal pressure has increased or via another battery cell 111 and the cell holder 152. Thereby, distortion (deformation) occurs on the side surface of the battery can 21 of the battery cell 111 to which the strain gauge 160 is attached. This strain is measured by a strain gauge 160 attached to the center of the side surface.

  Here, the strain direction measured by the strain gauge 160 is the stacking (array) direction of the plurality of battery cells 111. This is because, when a uniformly distributed load is applied to a rectangular flat plate, the distortion in the short side direction is amplified at a ratio of the side length ratio to the distortion in the long side direction. This effect is greater as the rectangular battery cell 111 has a larger aspect ratio. Therefore, in this embodiment, a strain with a large amplification degree can be measured with high sensitivity by the strain gauge 160.

  As in the fifth embodiment, the end plate 156 employs a material in which the concave portion 151a of the end plate 151 of the first embodiment is filled (a flat rectangular parallelepiped whose height is smaller than the vertical and horizontal dimensions).

  The other configuration is the same as that of the first embodiment. Components similar to those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals as those in the first embodiment, and description thereof is omitted.

  According to the present embodiment described above, in one side surface of the battery can 21 constituting one battery cell 111 of the plurality of battery cells 111, distortion in the stacking (array) direction of the plurality of battery cells 111 is Since the strain gauge 160 can be measured with high sensitivity and the abnormality of the battery cell 111 can be detected based on the measurement result, the same operational effects as those of the first embodiment can be obtained.

  Moreover, according to the present embodiment described above, the attachment of the strain gauge 160 does not affect the design and assembly of the sub-square battery module 150.

  In the above-described embodiment, the case where the end plate 156 in which the concave portion 151a of the end plate 151 of the first embodiment is filled is described as an example, but any one of the first to third embodiments is described. The end plate 151 or a combination of the end plate 154 and the cell holder 155 of the fourth embodiment may be used. In this case, the same operational effects as any of the first to fourth embodiments can be obtained.

Claims (5)

A plurality of capacitors arranged in one direction, a holding member arranged between each of the capacitors adjacent in the arrangement direction of the plurality of capacitors, and the holding member side of the capacitor arranged at both ends in the arrangement direction of the plurality of capacitors the pair of end plates disposed on the opposite side, and with a connecting connection plate to said pair of end plates, and a lashing member for lashing said plurality of capacitors and the plurality of capacitors, the A module configured by connecting the pair of end plates by the connection plate in a state in which the plurality of holding members and the array of the pair of end plates are pressed by the pair of end plates from both sides in the arrangement direction. When,
A measuring element that is attached to the module and measures strain generated by the action of a force that changes the shape of the capacitor;
A control device for detecting a state of the plurality of capacitors,
The measuring element is a strain gauge or a strain sensor;
In the connection plate, a through hole is formed, and a narrow portion where the distance from the edge of the connection plate to the through hole is the smallest is formed,
The strain gauge or strain sensor is attached to the surface of the narrow portion of the connection plate,
The control device receives a signal output from the strain gauge or the strain sensor , detects the state of the capacitor according to the measurement result of the strain obtained from the input signal, and based on the detection result, the capacitor Detecting abnormalities in the
A power storage device. A plurality of capacitors arranged in one direction, the first holding member disposed between the capacitor adjacent to the array direction of the plurality of capacitors, the plurality of capacitors which sequences are arranged in the opposite end portions of the capacitor the first holding member side and a pair of second holding member which is arranged on the opposite side, the second holding member pair of end plates and the capacitor side which is located opposite, and the pair while have a connection plate which is connected to the end plate, and a lashing member for lashing said plurality of capacitors, the plurality of capacitors, the plurality of first holding member, said pair of second holding member And a module configured by connecting the pair of end plates by the connection plate in a state where the array of the pair of end plates is pressed by the pair of end plates from both sides in the arrangement direction ,
A measuring element that is attached to the module and measures strain generated by the action of a force that changes the shape of the capacitor;
A control device for detecting a state of the plurality of capacitors,
The measuring element is a strain gauge or a strain sensor;
In the connection plate, a through hole is formed, and a narrow portion where the distance from the edge of the connection plate to the through hole is the smallest is formed,
The strain gauge or strain sensor is attached to the surface of the narrow portion of the connection plate,
The control device receives a signal output from the strain gauge or the strain sensor, detects the state of the capacitor according to the measurement result of the strain obtained from the input signal, and based on the detection result, the capacitor Detecting abnormalities in the
A power storage device. The power storage device according to claim 1 or 2,
The control device includes an abnormality detection unit that calculates a time change rate of the strain measured by the strain gauge or the strain sensor and detects an abnormality of the capacitor by comparing with a preset threshold value of the time change rate of the strain. ing,
A power storage device. The power storage device according to claim 3,
The control device determines that there is an abnormality in the battery when the obtained rate of change of strain over time exceeds the threshold value, and a command for cutting off the electrical connection between the module and the load. Output signal,
A power storage device. The power storage device according to claim 1 or 2,
The module is used as a submodule, and a plurality of submodules are provided to form a main module.
A power storage device.